The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point in the way cancer care is delivered, with multidisciplinary oncology professionals reflecting on its lasting impact. Five years after the initial outbreak, studies have shed light on how the pandemic affected populations and access to care.
Institutions across the country have created resources regarding the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on cancer care, including a comprehensive guide by the American Cancer Society (ACS). The Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center library has also discussed the use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies for patients with cancer.
The pandemic highlighted racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among patients with cancer, with Black patients experiencing worse illness and severity. This recognition of upstream structural and social drivers of health underscores the importance of addressing these factors to improve patient outcomes.
Telehealth emerged as a crucial tool during the pandemic, enabling healthcare providers to deliver care remotely and connect with patients more effectively. The European Commission’s survey found that telehealth usage had improved care, although it came with limitations in terms of physical examinations and vital signs.
As research continues to uncover the pandemic’s lasting impact on cancer care, organizations like the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) are compiling data to inform future policy decisions. Oncologists emphasize the importance of adapting to emerging challenges and evolving as a field to make patient care more accessible and effective.
Key takeaways from this conversation highlight the resilience of patients and healthcare professionals alike in the face of adversity, with oncology experts urging continued vigilance and innovation to address the complex needs of cancer patients during future pandemics.
Source: https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/five-year-impact-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-on-the-oncology-community