Searching for answers: Cancer care during the COVID pandemic

Shiv Rajan; Deep Chakrabarti; Naseem Akhtar; Vijay Kumar; Mranalini Verma

doi:10.1016/j.cegh.2020.100696

Searching for answers: Cancer care during the COVID pandemic

Clin Epidemiol Glob Health. 2021 Apr-Jun:10:100696. doi: 10.1016/j.cegh.2020.100696. Epub 2021 Jan 13.

Authors

Shiv Rajan¹, Deep Chakrabarti², Naseem Akhtar¹, Vijay Kumar¹, Mranalini Verma²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgical Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India.
² Department of Radiation Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India.

Abstract

The unprecedented novel coronavirus disease pandemic has wreaked havoc on healthcare systems worldwide and raised myriads of questions. The delivery of cancer care is an essential service that cannot take a backseat, even amid a global pandemic. Oncology involves the disciplines of surgical oncology, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care which are all affected, including the possible impact of the pandemic on the mental health of patients and healthcare workers alike. This commentary attempted to review these questions in light of the best available evidence. The delivery of cancer care is generally safe when routine safety precautions are followed, and decisions are based on rational scheduling and logistical prioritisation. The impact on the mental health is profound that needs to be addressed with adequate avenues. Teleoncology is a reasonable alternative, whenever applicable. Evidence-based decision making should be the standard of care, and multidisciplinary management decisions are as indispensable as ever.

Keywords: COVID; Chemotherapy; Global health; Oncology; Radiation oncology; Surgical oncology.