Implementation of breast cancer continuum of care in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Elghazawy, Hagar; Bakkach, Joaira; Zaghloul, Mohamed S; Abusanad, Atlal; Hussein, Mariam Mohamed; Alorabi, Mohamed; eldin, Nermean Bahie; Helal, Thanaa; Zaghloul, Tarek M; Venkatesulu, Bhanu Prasad; Elghazaly, Hesham; Al-Sukhun, Sana

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.