The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Post-pandemic Care: The UAE Perspective and Recommendations (Preprint)

Abstract

UNSTRUCTURED The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major healthcare havoc across all life aspects as we know it and oncological services were no exception. At the start of the pandemic, the UAE government took early and effective approaches which all successfully played a crucial part in controlling the rate of infection. Unfortunately, however, with the implementation of these measures, the strain on the healthcare facilities necessitated the cessations of elective procedures and created gaps in many routine screening appointments for women seeking early detection of breast cancer, this delay in vital screening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is thought to be responsible for the concerning spike in late-stage breast cancer cases across the country today. Additionally, there have been numerous reports of an increasing number of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses as an unintended effect of the pandemic's early lockdowns and medical restrictions. Oncology experts worldwide are expressing their fears over this new phenomenon known as the “Tsunami of Cancer” where there will be an expected upscale in cancer diagnoses on a global level. In order to prevent catastrophic implications on the healthcare system, it is vital to prioritize early screening efforts, increase research funding and awareness towards breast cancer prevention, and interdisciplinary collaborations in mitigating this rising public health challenge. To date, there has been a lack of published papers in this context in the UAE. The aim of this paper is to highlight the implications surrounding breast cancer screening in the UAE and provide recommendations for change.