The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the clinical assistance to breast cancer patients

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Ribeiro, I (Author) Other; peleteiro, b (Author) FMUP; Fougo, JL (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: CANCER CAUSES & CONTROL

Vol. 35

Pages: 63-72

ISSN: 0957-5243

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-WG4

DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01762-3

Abstract (EN): Purpose We aimed to disclose the impact of the pandemic on breast cancer patients in a specialized breast cancer center (BCC). Methods A total of 501 breast cancer patients with a first appointment in the BCC from April 1st, 2019 to March 31st, 2021 were divided into four consecutive periods of 6 months. Data from the homologous semesters was compared. Patients with an appointment in the BCC during the study period were eligible for the secondary aim of our study (BCC workload). Results After the pandemic declaration (period 3), we found a decrease in the referral by screening programs (p = 0.002) and a reduction in the waiting time between the primary care referral and the first BCC appointment (p < 0.001). There were higher rates of palpable axillary nodes (p = 0.001), an increase in N stage 2 and 3 (p = 0.050), and a trend for primary endocrine therapy as the first treatment (p = 0.021) associated with higher rates of complete axillary node dissection (p = 0.030). In period 4, there were more outward diagnoses (p = 0.003) and a higher rate of surgery as the first treatment (p = 0.013). Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic implied a more advanced nodal stage, which may be related to the delay in breast cancer screening. [GRAPHICS] .

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10