Title:The Effect of Coronavirus Pandemic on the Treatment of Gynecological
and Breast Cancers
Volume: 20
Issue: 6
Author(s): Zohre Momenimovahed, Leila Allahqoli and Hamid Salehiniya*
Affiliation:
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health,
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
Keywords:
COVID-19, cancer, gynecology, breast, treatment, global pandemic.
Abstract:
Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, various groups, including women with
cancer, were affected as a high-risk group in terms of disease diagnosis and treatment. Despite the importance
of therapeutic changes in cancers, such as breast and gynecological cancer, there is no comprehensive
study in this regard that also refers to the coronavirus. The need for a deep understanding
of the impact of coronavirus on the treatment plan of this group of patients caused the researcher to
design and implement this study that aims to investigate the treatment challenge among cancer patients
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods: To answer the study question, a comprehensive search was carried out in databases,
such as PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus, using keywords, including
cancer, gynecologic cancer, breast cancer, treatment, delay, and modification. Full-texted, English
language and original articles were included in this study.
Results: In total, 27 articles were selected for the study. The findings of this study revealed that
COVID-19 greatly affects the treatment of gynecology and breast cancer. These patients experience
delay or modification of cancer treatment. Increased time between diagnosis and treatment, delay,
change or cancellation of surgery and change in treatment plan are the most important changes in cancer
treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various aspects of gynecology
and breast cancer care worldwide. In the current pandemic, there has been a significant delay in the
diagnosis and treatment of gynecological and breast cancer, which, due to its higher morbidity and
mortality, has made the condition more difficult for cancer patients and treatment teams.
