Effect of COVID-19 On Breast Cancer Awareness and Treatment

If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that awareness and education are crucial to remaining healthy and safe. As the world nears the second anniversary of the official start to the COVID-19-19 pandemic, we look back on the way this issue has been affecting various facets of breast cancer and breast health. 

Disruptions in Screening and Prevention

Before 2020, most people visited their doctor annually for an overall wellness exam and bloodwork. They scheduled appointments when they were injured, or when they felt something strange within their bodies. Those with higher risks of certain conditions got regular screenings and preventive procedures, as recommended by their physicians. 

However, when the pandemic shut down the world two years ago, this public health routine changed dramatically. In the first few months of the shutdown, most medical offices closed or drastically scaled back their operations. People feared coming out of their homes, let alone entering a medical facility for fear of contracting the virus. This, of course, led to skipped doctor’s appointments, necessary screenings, and seemingly non-essential procedures. 

The medical community has fought hard against the virus, and hospitals and medical offices have done their utmost best to return to normal function. However, the disruption in routine and preventive care caused by the pandemic is still palpable. For people who are at risk of developing any type of life-threatening disease, such as cancer, this change can be detrimental. 

Delays and Changes in Treatment

COVID-19’s effect was even more impactful for those already diagnosed with cancer. According to a special report by Breastcancer.org, surgeries were delayed in the first few months of the pandemic. While systematic treatments like radiation and chemotherapy continued to occur, most patients’ overall treatment plans were altered to accommodate the new safety recommendations. 

Unfortunately, the more effective breast cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemo weaken the immune system and may contribute to lung problems caused by COVID-19. The weaker one’s immune system is, the more they are at risk of catching and developing a more severe case of the virus. For this reason, immunocompromised people are especially encouraged to get vaccinated, wear masks, and practice social distancing as much as possible. 

Chances of Recurrence

Patients who have beaten breast cancer in the past remain highly susceptible to recurrence. According to recent studies, contracting COVID-19 raises the risk of breast cancer returning because the virus “induces the production of factors previously implicated in the reawakening of dormant breast cancer cells such as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).” Researchers are still working on defining the link between COVID-19 and tumor relapses, but it is clear that increased vigilance and screening is absolutely mandatory for cancer survivors who happen to contract the virus. 

Vaccines and Breast Cancer

The hesitancy to get vaccinated is completely understandable. The medical world can be a confusing place, especially during a global pandemic. People at risk of cancer, and especially patients already being treated for the disease can feel uneasy about the shot. 

While contracting the virus could have dire consequences for the immunocompromised, The COVID-19 vaccine does not pose any dangers to breast cancer patients or people who are at risk. The only possible effect of the vaccine that is relevant to breast health is a temporary enlargement of lymph nodes that could result in a false positive on a mammogram. To avoid this issue, communicate with your doctor about the timing of your shot and avoid scheduling screening procedures in close proximity to the vaccination. (For information about prevention and mammogram alternatives, visit koninghealth.com!)