Dealing with cancer screening in the COVID-19 era

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This article aims to alert health professionals for cancer screening in the face of the possibility of new waves of disease. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted through a search in MEDLINE, Lilacs, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and international medical societies publications. RESULTS: Breast cancer in high-risk patients (confirmed familial cancer syndrome or with high-risk tools scores), clinicians should act according to usual recommendations; in average-risk individuals, consider screening with mammography with a longer time span (maximum of two years). Cervical cancer women turning 25 years old who have already been immunized and with no previous Pap test can have the test postponed during the pandemic; if there is no previous dose of Human Papillomavirus vaccination, initiation of screening should be recommended following a more rigid approach for COVID prevention; in women over 30 years of age who have never participated in cervical screening, the first screening exam is also essential. Colorectal cancer if the individual is at elevated risk for familial cancer, the screening with colonoscopy according to usual recommendations should be supported; if at average risk consider screening with Fecal Occult Blood Test. Prostate cancer there is a trend to postpone routine prostate cancer screening until the pandemic subsides. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to keep cancer screening must be discussed and individualized, considering the possibility of new waves of COVID-19.