ABSTRACT
Delivering care for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic can pose a significant challenge, given the fact that cancer patients face a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from the infection. Outcomes in gynecological cancers are heavily stage-dependent, ranging from 5-year survival 95% in early stage to less than 15% in advanced stages. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are therefore of the utmost importance, but they should be balanced, considering the availability of local expertise and resources and the local pandemic status. This article outlines the management guidelines for the care of women with gynecological malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Outcomes in cancer patients are strongly influenced by timeliness and quality of multidisciplinary interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to severe disruption in cancer care in many countries. This has necessitated several changes in clinical care and workflow, including resource allocation, team segregation and deferment of many elective procedures. Several international oncological societies have proposed guidelines for the care of patients afflicted with breast cancer during the pandemic with a view to optimize resource allocation and maximize risk versus benefit for the individual and society. Clinicians may utilize these recommendations to adapt patient care, based on the current availability of resources and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in each region. This article discusses the guidelines for care of patients afflicted with breast cancer during the pandemic.