Cancer Patient Management during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Audit of a Single-Surgeon Unit in a COVID-Hotspot

Abstract

The report evaluates the effect of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on breast cancer treatment and management at a single-surgeon cancer care unit in one of the hotspots of COVID-19 in India. In response to the pandemic, the adjustments were made in the clinical practice to accommodate social distancing. Patient consultations were done over phone call or in-clinic visit with prior appointment to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Total number of patients that were treated at the clinic and the essential surgeries performed during the pandemic phases are summarized in the report. The methodology adopted here for care and management of the cancer patients can serve as a guiding principle for cancer care units in the country.

Identifying predictors of COVID‐related delays in cancer‐specific medical care

“…The impact of COVID‐19 on US healthcare systems was widespread, affecting both general medical care and specialty care 1,2 . There was particular concern about the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment 3–21 . In the early part of the COVID‐19 pandemic (i.e., prior to widespread vaccination), breast cancer imaging, mastectomies, Pap tests, low‐dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer, and colorectal cancer colonoscopy screenings decreased, and there was a reduction in radiological and pathological diagnostic testing 5–9 .…”

“…1 , 2 There was particular concern about the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 In the early part of the COVID‐19 pandemic (i.e., prior to widespread vaccination), breast cancer imaging, mastectomies, Pap tests, low‐dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer, and colorectal cancer colonoscopy screenings decreased, and there was a reduction in radiological and pathological diagnostic testing. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 Cancer patients reported experiencing delays across all treatment types, particularly surgery and radiation therapy.…”