Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to the prioritization of breast cancer services towards patients who are currently in treatment or diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer, and the self-assessment of both tumor growth and treatment side effects. Alongside the stress associated with cancer itself, delays and complications due to COVID-19 may impact patients’ mental health. Purpose To describe the experiences of Canadians living with breast cancer who received a diagnosis and/or treatment during the pandemic, and to identify their recommendations for improving patients well-being during future pandemics. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen women living with breast cancer who also completed the Distress Thermometer questionnaire. The transcripts were analyzed using a descriptive thematic content methodology. Results Women who started their breast cancer screening or treatment before the pandemic reported fewer delays and less psychological distress than those who started during the pandemic. Participants reported feeling dehumanized while receiving their medical care, being unable to be accompanied during medical visits, and fearing treatment interruption during the pandemic. Patient recommendations for improving care and psychological support included the presence of family caregivers at consultations to receive the diagnosis and for the first treatment session. Conclusion Study findings provide new insights on how healthcare restrictions during the pandemic impacted on patient experiences and their well-being during screening and treatment for breast cancer. The need for cancer nursing practices and care delivery strategies that promote the delivery of compassionate, patient-centred care and the provision of psychological support during future pandemics are identified.

Aim: In Canada, osteopathic medicine, a well-known branch of complementary/alternative medicine, has received minimal attention for pain management within oncology. Purpose: This review reports both the existing literature and patient experience surrounding the application of osteopathy as an effective treatment for pain in breast cancer patients. Results: Both the literature and this case study support, to some degree, the benefits of osteopathy as pain management for breast cancer patients. Conclusion: Due to contradictory reported findings, more studies would be required to make firm conclusions, especially within a Canadian context. However, a lack of standardization of osteopathic procedures and collaboration between osteopaths and traditional healthcare professionals are challenges in including osteopathy as a standard service offered to breast cancer patients.