A Review of Canadian Cancer-Related Clinical Practice Guidelines and Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

(1) Background: Preventive measures taken in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have adversely affected an entire range of cancer-related medical activities. The reallocation of medical resources, staff, and ambulatory services, as well as critical shortages in pharmaceutical and medical supplies have compelled healthcare professionals to prioritize patients with cancer to treatment and screening services based on a set of classification criteria in cancer-related guidelines. Cancer patients themselves have been affected on multiple levels, and addressing their concerns poses another challenge to the oncology community. (2) Methods: We conducted a Canada-wide search of cancer-related clinical practice guidelines on the management and prioritization of individuals into treatment and screening services. We also outlined the resources provided by Canadian cancer charities and patient advocacy groups to provide cancer patients, or potential cancer patients, with useful information and valuable support resources. (3) Results: The identified provincial guidelines emphasized cancer care (i.e., treatment) more than cancer control (i.e., screening). For cancer-related resources, a clear significance was placed on knowledge & awareness and supportive resources, mainly relating to mental health. (4) Conclusion: We provided a guidance document outlining cancer-related guidelines and resources that are available to healthcare providers and patients across Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health in Persons With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: The Need for Increased Access to Health Care Services

“…During the pandemic, although the likelihood of developing a COVID-19 infection in persons with CML is very low ( 28 – 31 ), negative impact on different aspects of CML management including TKI therapy response monitoring, TKI therapy, and enrollment in and compliance with clinical trials is also reported ( 29 ). These highlighted the importance of adequate access to health care services such as patient education of having appropriate personal self-protection equipment, establishing a safe area in the hospital or clinic, and telemedicine and mailed medicine to avoid monitoring and therapy interruptions 1 , 2 , 3 ( 44 – 50 ).…”

The Impact of Canadian Medical Delays and Preventive Measures on Breast Cancer Experience: A Silent Battle Masked by the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, infection prevention and control measures have transformed to protect at-risk populations, such as patients diagnosed with cancer ( Burki, 2020 ; Cortiula et al, 2020 ). Consequently, many breast cancer clinics in Canada closed their doors during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a considerable decrease in mammograms and biopsies performed ( Farah et al, 2021 ; Gouvernement du Québec, 2020 ). These changes led to a reduction of more than 50% in breast cancer related consultations and medical delays across Canada ( Gouvernement du Québec, 2020 ; Yong et al, 2021 ).…”

Report from the Ready for the Next Round Thought-Leadership Roundtables on Building Resilience in Cancer Care and Control in Canada-Colorectal Cancer Canada; 2021

“…The COVID-19 pandemic, according to physician panelists, had a broad impact on cancer care and control services as it interrupted and delayed screening, diagnosis, and altered the way patients were treated. Shortly after the first wave in March 2020, many Canadian provincial public health agencies issued clinical guidelines with criteria for prioritization and triage of cancer patients [5]. CRC prevention measures and diagnostic tests such as endoscopies, colonoscopies, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans dramatically declined amid the first wave of the pandemic [6].…”

“…(4) advancing patient-centricity in cancer research to drive and encourage precision medicine approaches to care. (5) investing in training and hiring a robust supply of health care human resources. (6) implementing a national strategy and infrastructure to ensure inter-provincial collaborative data sharing (4).…”