Implementation of Breast Cancer Continuum of Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Hagar Elghazawy, Joaira Bakkach, Mohamed S. Zaghloul, Atlal Abusanad, Mohd Kher Hussein, Mohamed Alorabi, Nermean Bahie Eldin, Thanaa Helal, Tarek Zaghloul, Bhanu Prasad Venkatesulu, Hesham Elghazaly, Sana Al‐Sukhun
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. The current COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented challenge leading to care disruption, which is more severe in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to existing economic obstacles. This review presents the global perspective and preparedness plans for breast cancer continuum of care amid the COVID-19 outbreak and discusses challenges faced by LMIC in implementing these strategies. Prioritization and triage of breast cancer patients in a multidisciplinary team setting are of paramount importance. Deescalation of systemic and radiation therapy can be utilized safely in selected clinical scenarios. The presence of a framework and resource-adapted recommendations exploiting available evidence-based data with judicious personalized use of current resources is essential for breast cancer care in LMIC during the COVID-19 pandemic.