900 Effects Of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on the 2ww Breast Referrals in A UK Specialist Breast Service

Abstract

Abstract Aim Recommendations were issued to the hospital Trusts to configure service delivery to balance cancer care with patient and hospital staff safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was felt the service restrictions might lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. We conducted an audit to compare 2ww breast referrals in our center between May to July of 2019 and 2020. Method We triaged all referrals to face-face consultation or telephone consultation in our center during the pandemic. Patients with suspicious symptoms were offered face-face consultation after the telephone triage. Results Data analysis showed that the referrals fell by 28.3% (N 1569 versus N 1125). The largest reduction was noted in May (34.4% versus 24.2%). Mean waiting time in 2019 was 19.86 (± 7.14) and 11.43 (± 3.48) in 2020. The proportion of patients referred for suspected breast cancers increased across all age groups in 2020 (range +10.4% to 16.2%). Significantly more breast cancers were diagnosed in 2020 (7.1% versus 5.1%). No breast cancer was diagnosed in under 25 patients. 29.1% of the 522 patients telephoned were discharged, and others were seen in the clinic. Conclusions The COVID-19 infection’s management caused a fall in 2ww referrals and shortened waiting times but increased breast cancer diagnosis. Many 2ww referrals during the COVID-19 infection were unnecessary. The telephone consultation reduced waiting times but may have deferred clinic visitation for most patients.