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Review
. 2022 Oct;24(10):1219-1235.
doi: 10.1007/s11912-022-01301-4. Epub 2022 May 27.

Oncology During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Lockdown Perspective

Danielle Boniface  1 , Gonzalo Tapia-Rico  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Oncology During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Lockdown Perspective

Danielle Boniface et al. Curr Oncol Rep. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose for review: This perspective piece aims to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the field of oncology, exploring the factors provoking a fall in cancer diagnostic rates, interruption of cancer screening programmes, disruption of oncological treatment and adjuvant care, and the necessary adaption oncological practice has undergone (and will be required to undergo) post-pandemic, including the shift to digital consultations.

Recent findings: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the field of oncological research has faced significant challenges. Yet, innovation has prevailed with new developments being made across the globe. Looking to the future of oncology, this piece will also suggest potential solutions to overcome the late-stage ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global health crisis, the ramifications of which have reached every corner of the world and overwhelmed already overburdened healthcare systems. However, we are still yet to see the full domino effect of the pandemic as it continues to reveal and exacerbate pre-existing weaknesses in healthcare systems across the world.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cancer; Oncology; Pandemic; SARS-Cov-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Estimated colorectal cancer progression due to delayed diagnosis, at various intervals. Reproduced, with credit to Alkatout et al. [••] for creation, based on data from Riccardiello et al. [28]
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Estimated cumulative number of deaths due to breast, colorectal, lung, oesophageal cancer up to 5 years after diagnosis, a in the UK and b global total, reproduced, with credit to Alkatout et al. [••] for creation, based on data from Maringe et al. [•]
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Roadmap demonstrating the flow-on effects of interruptions to oncology services during the COVID-19 pandemic
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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