Abstract
The recent pandemic of COVID-19 has created an incredible strain on health systems worldwide. Accordingly, professional societies have recommended postponing elective surgeries to maintain capacity in health systems.1,2 Care of cancer patients poses a unique dilemma due to the current shift in priorities. Concerns about tumor progression, increased risk of emergent complications, and a reduction in survival contribute to a sense of urgency to provide expeditious care. Yet, recent reports suggest that cancer patients are at an increased risk of dying from COVID-19.3 The association of time interval from cancer diagnosis to definitive cancer surgery with risk of cancer specific outcomes is poorly understood. Addressing this question can triage cancer operations and help allay anxiety. Identifying a safe postponement strategy will also allow us to meet the capacity to react to the ongoing crisis.
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