‘COVID impedes early breast cancer detection’: Medical oncologist

A stage II or III cancer could turn into stage IV if treatment got delayed by even three or four months. Well-to-do patients could get to the hospitals on private vehicles by the indigent were left to with little option as public transport was sparse.

In the context of the breast cancer awareness month, doctors said patients had been avoiding visits to healthcare facilities due to COVID-19. Patients requiring regular check-up opted for tele-consultation, but clinical interventions could not be completed.

Medical oncologist Dr Krishnakumar Rathnam said while COVID had no direct impact on the outcome of breast cancer patients, those on chemotherapy had low immunity. This increased risk. Breast cancer had emerged as the most common malignancy in urban areas and the second most common in rural areas, he said.

COVID-19 had made early detection all the more challenging for doctors. Surgical oncologist Dr R Vijayabhaskar stressed early detection and said every woman past 40 should get an annual mammogram done. Breast conservation treatment was now a standard method in the west but it was uncommon here.

“Surgery for breast cancer has come a long way since radical mastectomy, which is the complete removal of the breast, was first described. Only 11-23 per cent surgeons prefer breast conservation treatment in the country, compared to 60-70 per cent in the west. The advantages of BCS over MRM include better body image, sexual function and psychological adjustment,” said Dr Vijayabaskar.