Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on care for patients with breast cancer: retrospective study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2176-7262.rmrp.2025.219128Keywords:
Antineoplastic agents, COVID-19, Medical care, Breast neoplasmsAbstract
Introduction: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought closures and restrictions to various everyday situations, including health services. Breast cancer screening has been postponed and cancelled in many countries. Gradually, more is known regarding the impact of this disease. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether the pandemic interferes with breast cancer treatment. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 248 women diagnosed with malignant neoplasms of the breast between January 2018 and December 2021 were analyzed in a clinic specializing in oncology in southern Brazil. Results: A significant reduction in the number of deaths was observed during this pandemic. Changes were observed in the care protocol, but without the suspension of essential treatments. Only postponements and rescheduling appointments were made. There was no difference in the number of consultations in private or public health plans between periods. The volume of consultations performed before and during the pandemic was similar, despite the difficulties imposed by the disease. The number of missed appointments and treatments suffered during the pandemic, evidencing continuity in treatment despite challenges. Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have shown favorable outcomes. Conclusion: In general, the pandemic has had no impact on health services. Despite the changes in the care protocol, there were no interruptions in the care and treatment of malignant breast cancer neoplasia.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Bruna Bueno, Fabio André dos Santos, Lais Daiene Cosmoski, Mariana Schechtel Koch, José Carlos Rebuglio Vellosa
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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Grant numbers 88887686383202200
