Influência da pandemia de COVID-19 no atendimento a pacientes com câncer de mama

Abstract

The pandemic caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in closures and restrictions in several everyday situations, including health services. There have been postponements and cancellations of breast cancer screening in many countries. Gradually, more is known about the effects of the disease, but studies are still needed to understand the short- and long-term effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the profile of care provided to patients with breast cancer who received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in previous periods and during the pandemic. A total of 248 medical records of women diagnosed with malignant neoplasms of the breast between January 2018 and December 2021 were analyzed in a clinic specializing in oncology in Southern Brazil. The sample size was similar between the analyzed periods for variables, such as age, blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and height. There has been a significant reduction in the number of deaths during the pandemic. Changes were observed in the care protocol, but without the suspension of essential treatments. Only postponements and rescheduling appointments were made. The number of consultations in the private and public health plans was similar between the periods. The volume of consultations performed before and during the pandemic was similar, despite the difficulties imposed by the disease. The number of missed appointments and treatments decreased during the pandemic, evidencing continuity in treatment despite scratches. No deaths were recorded in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The services provided to cancer patients were similar before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were changes in the care protocol, but there were no interruptions in the care and treatment of malignant breast neoplasia.