Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer diagnosis in a breast imaging center.Methods This was a retrospective cohort study that included women submitted to breast exams and procedures in a private hospital in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, as from the period of most strict social isolation measures, in 2020 (separated in first period of social isolation, March 24 to June 21, 2020, and second period, June 22 to December 31, 2020), as compared to the same period in 2019. The number of exams, cancer detection rates, pathologic findings and risk factors were analyzed.Results A total of 32,144 patients were included in the study. Breast imaging exams and procedures decreased by 78.9% in the first period, and 2.7% in the second period, in 2020. By the end of 2020, the number of breast cancer lesions detected was just six cases less than in 2019, although the number of patients submitted to mammograms was 35% lower.Conclusion There was a drop in number of breast exams and cancer diagnoses in the first 90 days of the pandemic. The decrease in diagnosis of cancer was partially compensated in the second period, but the number of patients submitted to mammograms by the end of 2020 was lower, still considering a large number of patients with delayed exams.
Highlights
From December 2019 to March 2021, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused more than 115 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and over 2.5 million deaths across the world.[1]. Countries with significant outbreaks, including Brazil, have introduced social distancing or lockdown measures to flatten the curve of incidence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reduce the potential impact on health care systems
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has endorsed the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reschedule nonurgent outpatient visits.[4]. Organizations related to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment published recommendations for scheduling breast imaging exams and breast cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Amid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and similar to other international healthcare providers, the Brazilian Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia (CBR), in association with the Brazilian Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FEBRASGO) and the Sociedade Brasileira de Mastologia (SBM), published a note on March 26, 2020 with recommendations for scheduling breast imaging exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating all exams that could be postponed should be avoided, especially in patients aged over 60 years
Summary
From December 2019 to March 2021, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused more than 115 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and over 2.5 million deaths across the world.[1]. Amid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and similar to other international healthcare providers, the Brazilian Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia (CBR), in association with the Brazilian Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FEBRASGO) and the Sociedade Brasileira de Mastologia (SBM), published a note on March 26, 2020 with recommendations for scheduling breast imaging exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating all exams that could be postponed should be avoided, especially in patients aged over 60 years. The advice was very clear addressing all breast exams should be carefully assessed, including screening exams In this context, the fear of an unknown and highly transmissible virus, many patients have postponed their breast imaging exams and medical care. In July 2020, ACR published recommendations for the cautious recovery and resumption of all types of imaging practices.[6]
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