Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Screening in India: Current Situation, Challenges and Way Forwards

Authors

MD. Abu Bashar Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, U.P, India Author
Nazia Begam ECHS Hospital, Naraingarh, Ambala, Haryana, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcc.2021.6.S1.145-150

Keywords:

Cancer, Screening, COVID-19, Telemedicine, Education, Training, Social media

Abstract

Cancer screening is a highly effective preventive measure that can reduce cancer incidence and mortality. COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted the ongoing screening activities for early diagnosis of cancers across the globe and the worst affected are low and middle income countries and India is no exception to it. This disruption to cancer screening services may have a significant impact on patients, health care practitioners, and health systems. Through this paper, we aim to offer a comprehensive view on the impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening in India and offer potential solutions to the problems arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic in cancer screening and prevention.

Author Biography

Nazia Begam, ECHS Hospital, Naraingarh, Ambala, Haryana, India

Author is Specialist Medical Officer(ENT) at ECHS Hospital, Naraingarh, Ambala, Haryana, India.