Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care

Since the initiation of the vaccination programme in 2021, [greater than]94% and [greater than]83% of the population have received the first and third doses, respectively.2 In addition to its impacts on infected individuals, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the general public and physicians.3 4 5 Relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and cancer Patients with cancer are more aware of the impact of COVID-19 because of their increased risk of infection. [...]colorectal cancer screening capacity in the United States has decreased by 86%, and up to 1500 colorectal cancer cases have been missed or delayed in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic thus far.12 The effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening services is compromised because there is an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission associated with endoscopy and the exposure of vulnerable people to the hospital environment. Among patients who experienced difficulty understanding their cancer diagnosis (eg, cancer type, stage, and treatment options), the use of telemedicine may lead to increased anxiety and confusion. [...]clinical visits are preferable for new patients.18 The decision to continue or discontinue treatment (chemotherapy or surgery) is a key consideration for patients with cancer who may have an increased risk of infection during the pandemic. The findings of one study indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy with curative intent should be maintained for early-stage cancer.18 Robust precautionary measures should be implemented for chemotherapy infusion areas (eg, nucleic acid testing, quarantine, and isolation) to protect immunocompromised patients.18Nevertheless, that study did not include patients with cancer who received treatments in private clinics. [...]future studies should cover longer periods of time (ie, not limited to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic), considering that there were five waves of COVID-19 in Hong Kong before November 2022.19 In addition to clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes should be explored among patients with cancer.20 Additional studies are needed regarding the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care to determine how it may affect the cancer burden in Hong Kong during the post-pandemic era.