recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic on the early diagnosis and subsequent treatment of breast cancer patients . They also aim to preserve hospital and human resources for COVID-19 positive patients by deferring breast cancer treatments without significantly compromising the outcomes and quality of care for breast cancer patients .
In addition , the guidelines help physicians prioritise patients with higher-risk disease to avoid treatment delays and suggest optimal alternatives , such as delaying cancer-related procedures and surgeries which are deemed elective or restricting nonemergency follow-up visits . It ’ s well known that delays between breast cancer diagnosis and treatment initiation have been related to worse outcomes . However , it ’ s not yet evident how changes in therapy from the standard of care due to the pandemic will affect long-term breast cancer outcomes .
The current understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with breast cancer is limited . Data regarding the impact of the pandemic on breast cancer patients , time to treatment initiation , stage at presentation , and treatment sequence are urgently needed to understand these effects . However , these are not readily available from national and international databases . And while such data are important , a recent systematic review and metaanalysis have already proven that delays between breast cancer diagnosis and treatment initiation have been linked to poorer outcomes and increased mortality risks .
The flip side of cancer treatment is that it weakens the body ’ s immune system , making it more susceptible to infections . Cancer patients commonly have multiple risk factors . In immunocompromised patients , COVID-19 can be more severe , which adds to the challenge . Patients with pre-existing cancer are more susceptible and more likely to incur severe
complications and death than patients without a cancer diagnosis . Data show that cancer patients appear to have an estimated twofold increased risk of contracting COVID-19 than others . There is therefore a compelling need to address the impact of the pandemic on cancer patients .
There are also growing concerns about potential interactions between breast cancer and COVID-19 . Recent studies on the long-term clinical effect of COVID-19 showed a high incidence of persistent symptoms even after recovering from the acute disease , such as ongoing inflammation and weakened autoimmune responses . These lingering post-infection effects further raise concerns about the risks of local or systemic cancer . Ongoing clinical studies that include assessing the long-term effects of COVID-19 on cancer patients will also further clarify the impact of COVID-19 on the risk of pulmonary metastatic recurrence .
Recognising the challenges and complications that the world is facing due to the impact of COVID-19 , clinicians are trying to employ practical strategies to help patients , caregivers , and families mitigate the uncertain distress governing their cancer care . They ’ re also stretching beyond their limits and working tirelessly to keep themselves safe while taking care of their patients .
The future effects of COVID-19 on breast cancer patients are still undetermined , but the virus has definitely altered and accelerated changes in healthcare delivery in oncology , including the work of the medical fraternity who continue to struggle to deliver optimal treatment for cancer patients and those infected with the deadly virus .
Dr Namita Pandey is a visiting consultant and breastonco surgeon at Dr L H Hirandani Hospital in India .
The current understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with breast cancer is limited .
GlobalHealthAndTravel . com AUGUST 2021
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