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Gaughan AA, MacEwan SR, Rush LJ, Gatti‐Mays ME, Pariser AC, McAlearney AS. Perspectives of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1882. [PMID: 37584345 PMCID: PMC10598258 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a lapse in routine health care and cancer screenings for many individuals. This study sought to improve our understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women being treated for breast cancer, both in general, and specifically related to their diagnosis. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August 2021 and February 2022 with women who were receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center in Columbus, Ohio. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded using deductive dominant thematic analysis and inductive coding that allowed for categorization of data as well as identification of emergent themes. RESULTS Data collected from our 19 interviews revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic posed important challenges for breast cancer patients including fear of COVID-19 infection and feelings of isolation. Most interviewees noted they had been vaccinated against COVID-19 because of a desire to protect themselves and others from getting sick. Some women also expressed concerns about having delayed their screening mammograms due to the pandemic. Several patients described unexpected positive aspects of the pandemic such as being able to spend more time with family and having the ability to continue working because of the option to work from home during their cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide important insight about the impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer patients. We highlight the positives that have been reported because of the pandemic, as well as the need to address delayed breast cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice A. Gaughan
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Sarah R. MacEwan
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
- Division of General Internal MedicineCollege of Medicine, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Laura J. Rush
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Margaret E. Gatti‐Mays
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno‐Oncology, Division of Medical OncologyThe Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The JamesColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Ashley C. Pariser
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno‐Oncology, Division of Medical OncologyThe Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The JamesColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
- Department of Family and Community MedicineCollege of Medicine, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsCollege of Medicine, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
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Fu R, Sutradhar R, Li Q, Kamalraj P, Dare A, Hanna TP, Chan KKW, Irish JC, Coburn N, Hallet J, Singh S, Parmar A, Earle CC, Lapointe-Shaw L, Krzyzanowska MK, Louie AV, Mahar A, Urbach DR, McIsaac DI, Enepekides D, Gomez D, Look Hong NJ, Tinmouth J, Eskander A. Early survival for patients newly diagnosed with cancer during COVID-19 in Ontario, Canada: A population-based cohort study. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 36999960 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and early survival among newly diagnosed cancer patients. METHODS This retrospective population-based cohort study used linked administrative datasets from Ontario, Canada. Adults (≥18 years) who received a cancer diagnosis between March 15 and December 31, 2020, were included in a pandemic cohort, while those diagnosed during the same dates in 2018/2019 were included in a pre-pandemic cohort. All patients were followed for one full year after the date of diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess survival in relation to the pandemic, patient characteristics at diagnosis, and the modality of first cancer treatment as a time-varying covariate. Interaction terms were explored to measure the pandemic association with survival for each cancer type. RESULTS Among 179,746 patients, 53,387 (29.7%) were in the pandemic cohort and 37,741 (21.0%) died over the first post-diagnosis year. No association between the pandemic and survival was found when adjusting for patient characteristics at diagnosis (HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.96-1.01]), while marginally better survival was found for the pandemic cohort when the modality of treatment was additionally considered (HR 0.97 [95% CI 0.95-0.99]). When examining each cancer type, only a new melanoma diagnosis was associated with a worse survival in the pandemic cohort (HR 1.25 [95% CI 1.05-1.49]). CONCLUSIONS Among patients able to receive a cancer diagnosis during the pandemic, one-year overall survival was not different than those diagnosed in the previous 2 years. This study highlights the complex nature of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Fu
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rinku Sutradhar
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qing Li
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pabiththa Kamalraj
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Dare
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy P Hanna
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelvin K W Chan
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Odette Cancer Centre-Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Health-Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan C Irish
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie Coburn
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Odette Cancer Centre-Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Hallet
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simron Singh
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ambica Parmar
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Craig C Earle
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Lapointe-Shaw
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monika K Krzyzanowska
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander V Louie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alyson Mahar
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R Urbach
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel I McIsaac
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danny Enepekides
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Gomez
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole J Look Hong
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jill Tinmouth
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Odette Cancer Centre-Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Health-Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antoine Eskander
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Dowling M, Eicher M, Drury A. Experiences of cancer care in COVID-19: A longitudinal qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2022; 61:102228. [PMID: 36334337 PMCID: PMC9576914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the cancer care experiences of people living with and beyond cancer during COVID-19 in Ireland. METHODS The study adopted a longitudinal qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with sixteen participants. Interviews were undertaken on three occasions over six months (January-June 2021). The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (NCCN DT), and Connor-Davidson-Resilience Scale (CD-RISC2) were also used as part of the interviews to measure distress and resilience. Thematic analysis of interview data was conducted and participants' self-rating for distress and resilience was analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Sixteen patients participated. The findings revealed participants' constant fear of COVID-19 over time and efforts to stay safe by following the 'rules'. Isolation was a common experience as COVID-19 restrictions resulted in being alone when attending the hospital for treatment and limited support from family and friends. Telephone follow-up was limited in terms of support and patients' opportunity to ask questions. For a minority, COVID-19 restrictions meant they were 'not missing out'. On average, participants reported moderate to high levels of resilience at all time points. Distress scores were low but trended upwards from T1 to T2. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the need to avoid restrictions on carers accompanying their close relatives to the hospital for treatment. An evaluation of the effects of the rapid introduction of telephone follow-up on patient outcomes is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Dowling
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Ireland.
| | - Manuela Eicher
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Amanda Drury
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Ireland.
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Teoh SP, Hoo YY, Murillo R, Zuluaga M, Tsunoda A, Lombe D, Sullivan R, Bhoo-Pathy N. Contingency planning for cancer care in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: a rapid assessment for future disaster resilience. Ecancermedicalscience 2022; 16:1339. [PMID: 35242220 PMCID: PMC8831112 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2022.1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many countries appear to be ill-prepared in their emergency responses towards the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly in managing chronic diseases such as cancer. We aimed to gain insight on the preparedness of health systems within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in maintaining delivery of cancer care amid the pandemic. METHODS We performed a rapid review of publications focusing on emergency contingency plans for cancer care during the pandemic in LMICs. An online desk research was conducted to identify relevant policy documents, guidelines or scientific publications. RESULTS Very few LMICs had readily accessible documents to ensure continuity in delivery of cancer care during the pandemic. A majority of publications were focused on delivery of cancer treatment whereas early detection, diagnosis and delivery of supportive and survivorship care received very little attention. Far fewer of the published guidelines appear to have been formulated at the national level by governmental agencies. A vast majority of publications constituted consensus guidelines from professional societies, followed by sharing of best practices from local institutions. Overall, three main strategies have been recommended to maintain delivery of cancer care amid the pandemic in LMICs: 1) Modification of cancer treatment regimens, 2) Changes in methods of administration of curative and supportive cancer care and 3) Implementation of generic measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in healthcare settings. CONCLUSION All LMICs should consider collating best practices from the current pandemic and translating them into an explicit cancer preparedness plan, which can be escalated during future disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Peng Teoh
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee-Yin Hoo
- Hospital Serdang, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Raul Murillo
- Centro Javeriano de Oncología, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Kra 7° # 40-62, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - María Zuluaga
- Centro Javeriano de Oncología, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Kra 7° # 40-62, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Audrey Tsunoda
- Erasto Gaertner Hospital, PPGTS/Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Dorothy Lombe
- Regional Cancer Treatment Services, MidCentral District Health Board, 4410 New Zealand
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute of Cancer Policy, Global Oncology Group, School of Cancer Sciences, King’s College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Ip A, Black G, Vindrola-Padros C, Taylor C, Otter S, Hewish M, Bhuiya A, Callin J, Wong A, Machesney M, Green J, Oliphant R, Fulop NJ, Taylor C, Whitaker KL. Healthcare Professional and Patient Perceptions of Changes in Colorectal Cancer Care Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Impact on Health Inequalities. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221114615. [PMID: 35989597 PMCID: PMC9393398 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221114615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way in which people were diagnosed and treated for cancer. We explored healthcare professional and patient perceptions of the main changes to colorectal cancer delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they impacted on socioeconomic inequalities in care. METHODS In 2020, using a qualitative approach, we interviewed patients (n = 15) who accessed primary care with colorectal cancer symptoms and were referred for further investigations. In 2021, we interviewed a wide range of healthcare professionals (n = 30) across the cancer care pathway and gathered national and local documents/guidelines regarding changes in colorectal cancer care. RESULTS Changes with the potential to exacerbate inequalities in care, included: the move to remote consultations; changes in symptomatic triage, new COVID testing procedures/ways to access healthcare, changes in visitor policies and treatment (e.g., shorter course radiotherapy). Changes that improved patient access/convenience or the diagnostic process have the potential to reduce inequalities in care. DISCUSSION Changes in healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic have the ongoing potential to exacerbate existing health inequalities due to changes in how patients are triaged, changes to diagnostic and disease management processes, reduced social support available to patients and potential over-reliance on digital first approaches. We provide several recommendations to help mitigate these harms, whilst harnessing the gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Ip
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Georgia Black
- Department of Applied Health
Research, University College
London, London, UK
| | | | - Claire Taylor
- Healthcare National Health Service
(NHS) Trust, London North West
University, Harrow, UK
| | - Sophie Otter
- Royal Surrey NHS Foundation
Trust, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Afsana Bhuiya
- Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College
London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Naomi J. Fulop
- Department of Applied Health
Research, University College
London, London, UK
| | - Cath Taylor
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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6
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Bidwell S, Kennedy L, Burke M, Collier L, Hudson B. Continuing professional development in the COVID-19 era: evolution of the Pegasus Health Small Group model. J Prim Health Care 2022; 14:268-272. [DOI: 10.1071/hc21145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Węcławek-Tompol J, Zakrzewska Z, Gryniewicz-Kwiatkowska O, Pierlejewski F, Bień E, Zaucha-Prażmo A, Zając-Spychała O, Szmydki-Baran A, Mizia-Malarz A, Bal W, Sawicka-Żukowska M, Kruk A, Raciborska A, Książek A, Szczepański T, Peregud-Pogorzelski J, Krawczuk-Rybak M, Chaber R, Matysiak M, Wachowiak J, Młynarski W, Dembowska-Bagińska B, Balwierz W, Matkowska-Kocjan A, Kazanowska B, Styczyński J, Ussowicz M. COVID-19 in pediatric cancer patients is associated with treatment interruptions but not with short-term mortality: a Polish national study. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:163. [PMID: 34635137 PMCID: PMC8503711 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01181-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) currently constitutes the leading and overwhelming health issue worldwide. In comparison with adults, children present milder symptoms, with most having an asymptomatic course. We hypothesized that COVID-19 infection has a negative impact on the continuation of chemotherapy and increases nonrelapse mortality. Material and methods This study was performed to assess the course of SARS-CoV-2 among children with hematological or oncological malignancies and its impact on cancer therapy. Records of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 155 children with malignancies from 14 Polish centers for pediatric hematology and oncology were collected and analyzed. Results SARS-CoV-2 replication was observed in 155 patients. Forty-nine patients were symptomatic, with the following being the most common manifestations: fever (31 patients), gastrointestinal symptoms (10), coryza (13), cough (13) and headache (8). In children who were retested, the median time of a positive PCR result was 16 days (range 1–70 days), but 12.7% of patients were positive beyond day + 20. The length of viral PCR positivity correlated with the absolute neutrophil count at diagnosis. Seventy-six patients did not undergo further SARS-CoV-2 testing and were considered convalescents after completion of isolation. Antibiotic therapy was administered in 15 children, remdesivir in 6, convalescent plasma in 4, oxygen therapy in 3 (1—mechanical ventilation), steroids in 2, intravenous immunoglobulins in 2, and heparin in 4. Eighty patients were treated with chemotherapy within 30 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis or were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection during 30 days of chemotherapy administration. Respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19 and associated with oxygen therapy were present in 4 patients in the study population, and four deaths were recorded (2 due to COVID-19 and 2 due to progressive malignancy). The probability of 100-day overall survival was 97.3% (95% CI 92.9–99%). Delay in the next chemotherapy cycle occurred in 91 of 156 cases, with a median of 14 days (range 2–105 days). Conclusions For the majority of pediatric cancer patients, SARS-CoV-2 infection does not result in a severe, life-threatening course. Our data show that interruptions in therapy are common and can result in suboptimal therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13045-021-01181-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadwiga Węcławek-Tompol
- Department and Clinic of Pediatric Oncology, Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Zakrzewska
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Filip Pierlejewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Bień
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zaucha-Prażmo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Olga Zając-Spychała
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Szmydki-Baran
- Department of Oncology, Pediatric Hematology, Transplantology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Wioletta Bal
- Clinic of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, State Hospital 2 in Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland.,Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | | | - Agnieszka Kruk
- Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Oncology and Immunology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Raciborska
- Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Książek
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szczepański
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Maryna Krawczuk-Rybak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Radosław Chaber
- Clinic of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, State Hospital 2 in Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland.,Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Michał Matysiak
- Department of Oncology, Pediatric Hematology, Transplantology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Wachowiak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Młynarski
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Walentyna Balwierz
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Bernarda Kazanowska
- Department and Clinic of Pediatric Oncology, Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jan Styczyński
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Jurasz University Hospital, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Marek Ussowicz
- Department and Clinic of Pediatric Oncology, Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland.
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Göral Türkcü S, Uludağ E, Serçekuş P, Özkan S, Yaren A. Experiences and coping strategies of women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021; 54:102045. [PMID: 34619418 PMCID: PMC8489965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to examine experiences and coping strategies of women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A descriptive, phenomenological approach was adopted. The study included 15 women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers in the chemotherapy center of a university hospital. Data was collected with a descriptive characteristic form and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Results Data analysis revealed three main themes: Problems, protection and coping. The main theme of 'problems' was grouped into four categories: living with anxiety and fear, social isolation, physical difficulties, and financial difficulties. 'Protection' was grouped into four categories: decreased stigmatization, increased preventive measures, increased communication between family members, and keeping distance. Coping was grouped into four categories: religious practices, social support, positive thinking, and hobbies. Conclusions The participants were found to experience psychosocial, financial and physical difficulties. However, they also mentioned positive aspects of the pandemic: elimination of stigmatization due to the obligation for everyone to wear a mask, lack of visits due to the lockdown and enhanced communication with family members due to increased time spent at home. Religious practices, social support, positive thinking and spending time on hobbies were helpful to cope with the problems experienced during the pandemic. The results of this study can guide nurses in offering high-quality nursing care and counseling to women treated for breast and gynecological cancers during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Göral Türkcü
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Elif Uludağ
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Pınar Serçekuş
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Özkan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Arzu Yaren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey
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9
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Stanway S, Lodge M, Sullivan R, Diprose K, Young AM, Crisp N, Lewis P, Eden T, Aggarwal A, Nadin A, Chinegwundoh F, Sirohi B, Byrne G, Cowan R. The UK's contribution to cancer control in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet Oncol 2021; 22:e410-e418. [PMID: 34478677 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer mortality rates in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are unacceptably high, requiring both collaborative global effort and in-country solutions. Experience has shown that working together in policy, clinical practice, education, training, and research leads to bidirectional benefit for LMICs and high-income countries. For over 60 years, the UK National Health Service has benefited from recruitment from LMICs, providing the UK with a rich diaspora of trained health-care professionals with links to LMICs. A grassroots drive to engage with partners in LMICs within the UK has grown from the National Health Service, UK academia, and other organisations. This drive has generated a model that rests on two structures: London Global Cancer Week and the UK Global Cancer Network, providing a high-value foundation for international discussion and collaboration. Starting with a historical perspective, this Series paper describes the UK landscape and offers a potential plan for the future UK's contribution to global cancer control. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges facing UK partnerships with LMICs in cancer control. The UK should harness the skills, insights, and political will from all partners to make real progress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Lodge
- UK Global Cancer Network, Manchester, UK; International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Annie M Young
- UK Global Cancer Network, Manchester, UK; Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Nigel Crisp
- House of Lords, Houses of Parliament, London, UK
| | - Philippa Lewis
- Department of Clinical Oncology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Tim Eden
- World Child Cancer, London, UK; School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ajay Aggarwal
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ged Byrne
- Health Education England Global Engagement, London, UK; Department of Surgery, Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard Cowan
- UK Global Cancer Network, Manchester, UK; School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Department of Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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