Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Cancer - Qualitative Study V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study exploring the patient experiences of women with breast cancer pre, during and post COVID-19 at St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust.
IRAS ID
326526
Contact name
Diane Martin Baez
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Breast cancer pathways were severely impacted by COVID-19 this was seen across all stages of cancer care from primary care referral, screening, diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Scaling back of services during the pandemic because of lockdown, social distancing or to reduce service burden such as the halting of breast cancer screening programmes and a suspension of elective reconstructive surgery have led to a backlog of cancer patients awaiting diagnostic procedures and treatment.
There are limited studies exploring the impact of COVID-19 and the patient’s experience of the breast cancer journey during the pandemic, which has included an increased use of virtual consultations. This research includes a qualitative study of female breast cancer patients who accessed breast cancer care to include assessment, management and support at St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust pre, during and post COVID-19. The research aim is to explore breast cancer patient views, opinions and experiences of breast cancer services pre, during and post COVID-19 pandemic. This research is part of a PhD study and findings may inform regional and national decision making and guidelines ensuring patients have the best possible access to cancer diagnostic and care pathways beyond the pandemic recovery.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0372
Date of REC Opinion
26 May 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion