Learning from and Leveraging Multi-Level Changes in Responses to the COVID 19 Pandemic to Facilitate Breast Cancer Prevention Efforts

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had multilevel effects on non-COVID-19 health and health care, including deferral of routine cancer prevention and screening and delays in surgical and other procedures. Health and health care use has also been affected by pandemic-related loss of employer-based health insurance, food and housing disruptions, and heightened stress, sleep disruptions and social isolation. These disruptions are projected to contribute to excess non-COVID-19 deaths over the coming decades. At the same time municipalities, health systems and individuals are making changes in response to the pandemic, including modifications in the environmental to promote health, implementation of telehealth platforms, and shifts towards greater self-care and using remote platforms to maintain social connections. We used a multi-level biopsychosocial model to examine the available literature on the relationship between COVID-19-related changes and breast cancer prevention to identify current gaps in knowledge and identify potential opportunities for future research. We found that COVID-19 has impacted several aspects of social and economic life, through a variety of mechanisms, including unemployment, changes in health care delivery, changes in eating and activity, and changes in mental health. Some of these changes should be reduced, while others should be explored and enhanced.

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Role of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Exercise in Breast Cancer Prevention: Identifying Common Targets

Nutrition and Metabolic Insights ◽

10.4137/nmi.s39043 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. NMI.S39043 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Salma A. Abdelmagid ◽

Jessica L. MacKinnon ◽

Sarah M. Janssen ◽

David W.L. Ma

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Fatty Acids ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Cancer Prevention ◽

Breast Cancer Prevention ◽

Future Research ◽

Pufa Intake ◽

Diet And Exercise ◽

Important Study

Diet and exercise are recognized as important lifestyle factors that significantly influence breast cancer risk. In particular, dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown to play an important role in breast cancer prevention. Growing evidence also demonstrates a role for exercise in cancer and chronic disease prevention. However, the potential synergistic effect of n-3 PUFA intake and exercise is yet to be determined. This review explores targets for breast cancer prevention that are common between n-3 PUFA intake and exercise and that may be important study outcomes for future research investigating the combined effect of n-3 PUFA intake and exercise. These lines of evidence highlight potential new avenues for research and strategies for breast cancer prevention.

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Health care use and remaining needs for support among women with breast cancer in the first 15 months after diagnosis: the role of the GP

Family Practice ◽

10.1093/fampra/cmz043 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 103-109 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Deborah N Lo-Fo-Wong ◽

Hanneke C de Haes ◽

Neil K Aaronson ◽

Doris L van Abbema ◽

Jolien M Admiraal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Health Care ◽

General Practice ◽

Treatment Phase ◽

Health Care Use ◽

Future Research ◽

Frequent Contact ◽

Health Care Practices ◽

Additional Support

Abstract Background The number of women with breast cancer in general practice is rising. To address their needs and wishes for a referral, GPs might benefit from more insight into women’s health care practices and need for additional support. Objective To examine the prevalence of health care use and remaining needs among women with breast cancer in the first 15 months after diagnosis. Methods In this multicentre, prospective, observational study women with breast cancer completed a questionnaire at 6 and 15 months post-diagnosis. Medical data were retrieved through chart reviews. The prevalence of types of health care used and remaining needs related to medical, psychosocial, paramedical and supplementary service care (such as home care), was examined with descriptive analyses. Results Seven hundred forty-six women completed both questionnaires. At both assessments patients reported that they had most frequent contact with medical and paramedical providers, independent of types of treatment received. Three to fifteen percent of the patients expressed a need for more support. Prominent needs included a wish for more frequent contact with a physiotherapist, a clinical geneticist and a psychologist. Patients also wanted more help for chores around the house, particularly in the early post-treatment phase. Conclusion A small but relevant percentage of women with breast cancer report having unmet needs. GPs may need to be particularly watchful of their need for more support from specific providers. Future research into the necessity of structural needs assessment among cancer patients in general practice is warranted.

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