Publication:

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physicians managing breast cancer patients in Saudi Arabia

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the health-care system worldwide, and physicians face challenges in clinical practice, especially in managing cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on physicians managing breast cancer patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2020 among physicians practicing in Saudi Arabia, using an online-based survey. The questionnaire included items on physicians’ sociodemographic, barriers faced with breast cancer patients, concerns about and satisfaction with breast cancer patients’ management, and treatment protocols they follow.

Results A total of 317 physicians participated in this study. Most of them faced difficulties in their work with breast cancer patients during this pandemic, and 77.3% reported that they diagnosed at least one breast cancer case. Many patients missed chemotherapy sessions, and half of the centres indicated that more than 10% of their patients missed at least one session. 83% of the physicians were satisfied with the way they managed breast cancer patients, and 73% follow a specific protocol in managing breast cancer patients.

Conclusions The study’s findings show that the active COVID-19 pandemic led to a more stressful situation among physicians, which has affected management of breast cancer patients. COVID-19 is reshaping the delivery of not only breast cancer care but also general oncology practice. Currently, due to the availability of effective vaccination and more understanding of COVID-19, we believe that breast cancer operations should be performed on their scheduled date.