Interruption of breast cancer care and importance of inter‐hospital cooperation during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A case report of advanced breast cancer in Fukushima, Japan

Abstract

Accurate and timely follow-up is essential for breast cancer patients throughout their course of treatment. However, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has readily hampered the continuation of breast cancer care in many parts of the world and Japan is no exception. In Japan, one of the first cases of COVID-19 was detected in March 2020 in Tokyo, and from April to May 2020, the Japanese government declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and some other prefectures as the daily number of COVID-19 cases increased exponentially. Consequently,

The necessity of proactive measures from healthcare providers highlighted by delayed breast cancer diagnosis due to COVID‐19: A case report

“…Notably, the lack of effective communication regarding crucial information, particularly changes in symptoms, between administrative and medical staff resulted in delayed intervention for this case. Effective coordination in healthcare is crucial for the timely management of breast cancer patients particularly during this unprecedented crisis 19 . Concurrently, it is imperative to promote timely healthcare by maintaining active communication with patients, while being mindful of the merits and demerits of the rapidly expanded online consultations in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic 19,20 …”

“…19 Concurrently, it is imperative to promote timely healthcare by maintaining active communication with patients, while being mindful of the merits and demerits of the rapidly expanded online consultations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 19,20 Moreover, several other factors should be considered to understand why such a lengthy delay occurred. First, in disasters and crises, the importance of personal health tends to decrease temporarily, particularly in diseases such as breast cancer, which progresses relatively slowly.…”

“…Effective coordination in healthcare is crucial for the timely management of breast cancer patients particularly during this unprecedented crisis. 19 Concurrently, it is imperative to promote timely healthcare by maintaining active communication with patients, while being mindful of the merits and demerits of the rapidly expanded online consultations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 19,20 Moreover, several other factors should be considered to understand why such a lengthy delay occurred.…”

“… 19 Concurrently, it is imperative to promote timely healthcare by maintaining active communication with patients, while being mindful of the merits and demerits of the rapidly expanded online consultations in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic. 19 , 20 …”