Aftermath Pandemic Challenges for the Cancer Service Provision, The Need for A Fitting Strategy: A Standpoint from the UK

Abstract

Soon after the 1st lockdown was imposed in the UK on March 27, 2020, all elective activity surgical and endoscopic stopped in James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland County in North England. It was almost a standstill due to fear of the unknown and senior upper GI oncology surgeon thinking how one could not stop cancer-related care, especially extensive major cancer surgeries such as esophagectomy and gastrectomy. Approach with common sense, untold braveness with available guidance and safety kit, surgeries continued despite the risk to the operating surgical team and the patient. The UK health ministry’s announcement was candid and stated the cancer care should continue, and one must not deny timely access to the treatment. Furthermore, potential patients’ reluctance to attend hospitals, reduced access to primary care, delayed referrals, and a few other factors impacted deferred diagnosis. The estimated loss could amount to 60,000 life-years plus in the next decade in the UK [1].