Climate-driven Atlantic hurricanes create complex challenges for cancer care.

Abstract

Atlantic hurricanes disrupt cancer treatment and survivorship care by causing extended power outages; damaging hospitals, specialised therapy equipment, and other medical infrastructure; contaminating water supplies; disrupting transportation; and displacing patients and staff. These threats to continuity of cancer care are amplified by climate change. In this Reportage, we discuss challenges for the provision of cancer care for four climate-driven Atlantic hurricanes over a 5-year span. We draw upon the first-hand experience of oncologists, clinicians, and researchers on the frontlines during Hurricanes Ian, Ida, Dorian, and Maria.