Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on cancer surgery: Patient's perspective

Abstract

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has impacted cancer care globally. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of COVID‐19 on cancer healthcare from the perspective of patients with cancer. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted between June 19, 2020, to August 7, 2020, using a questionnaire designed by patients awaiting cancer surgery. We examined the impact of COVID‐19 on five domains (financial status, healthcare access, stress, anxiety, and depression) and their relationship with various patient‐related variables. Factors likely to determine the influence of COVID‐19 on patient care were analyzed. Results A significant adverse impact was noted in all five domains (p = < 0.05), with the maximal impact felt in the domain of financial status followed by healthcare access. Patients with income levels of INR < 35 K (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.61, p < 0.05), and 35K‐ 100 K (AOR = 1.96, p < 0.05), married patients (AOR = 3.30, p < 0.05), and rural patients (AOR = 2.82, p < 0.05) experienced the most adverse COVID‐19‐related impact. Conclusion Delivering quality cancer care in low to middle‐income countries is a challenge even in normal times. During this pandemic, deficiencies in this fragile healthcare delivery system were exacerbated. Identification of vulnerable groups of patients and strategic utilization of available resources becomes even more important during global catastrophes, such as the current COVID‐19 pandemic. Further work is required in these avenues to not only address the current pandemic but also any potential future crises.

Perceived Benefits Matter the Most in COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors: Empirical Evidence from Okara District, Pakistan

“…This viral disease outbreak overwhelmed global healthcare systems and adversely impacted the routine care for many chronic and ambulatory care-sensitive conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and asthma. It particularly affected resource-poor countries [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. The intensity of the dreadful effects of coronavirus was faced by both developed and developing countries.…”

Reply to letter to editor “Cancer patients should be considered as a high‐risk priority target in the COVID‐19 vaccination process”

“…We are thankful to Souadka et al and their colleagues for reading our study 1 and appreciate their thoughtful comments.…”

Cancer patients should be considered as a high risk priority target in the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination process

“…To the Editor, We read with great interest the study published by Rajan et al 1 which successfully demonstrates the significant impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on disruptions in cancer care delivery from cancer patients' perspective. The authors not only explained the importance of prioritizing cancer care during the pandemic but also encouraged us to be prepared to deliver and maintain the same quality care during global crises in general.…”