The COVID-19 crisis has heightened anxieties and concerns among patients and caregivers about receiving adequate cancer care. It has also led to postponed appointments, procedures and treatments which have clearly taken a toll on the emotional wellbeing of patients and caregivers.
Although interactions with health care professionals continued, they tended to be virtual rather than in-person. However, cancer can’t wait. The delay and cancellation of cancer care due to COVID-19 has triggered another public health crisis in Canada. In order to save lives, cancer care and diagnosis must continue during any public health crisis affecting Canadians.