Abstract
With major parts of the United States in lockdown, parts of Europe and the UK possibly going back on lockdown or expecting a second COVID-19 wave and rapidly rising rates elsewhere other than Asia, many people are forgoing regular cancer screenings and prevention services. More worrisome, some may be experiencing early signs or symptoms, yet they are not seeking evaluation, treatment or surveillance examinations. The long-term impact of this on patients, families and health care providers will be substantial. Not only will this strain sophisticated health systems in developed countries, but it will also overwhelm the health care infrastructure in developing countries.Health-care executives, cancer center directors, oncologists and policy experts should focus now on serving this potential “third wave” of sick patients who have delayed treatment. Stopping COVID-19 is critical. However, it’s also essential to plan for the coming wave of patients who have delayed seeking care or don’t have access.
Highlights
With the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic continuing to surge, many people have missed routine cancer screening and preventive services with their physicians
By leveraging its national cancer network, MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) has facilitated the care of its patients with collaborative health systems within its network
This has allowed patients to continue with therapeutic interventions, surveillance care and maintenance on clinical trials, minimizing high-risk travel during the early phase and peak of the pandemic
Summary
With the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic continuing to surge, many people have missed routine cancer screening and preventive services with their physicians. The number of people who die as a result of these delays could end up rivaling or exceeding deaths due to COVID-19 Adding to this potential crisis are the increased burdens being placed on health systems and medical providers which will impede their ability to provide timely and optimal care. By leveraging its national cancer network, MDACC has facilitated the care of its patients with collaborative health systems within its network This has allowed patients to continue with therapeutic interventions, surveillance care and maintenance on clinical trials, minimizing high-risk travel during the early phase and peak of the pandemic.
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