COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria

Background: Oncologists have faced major challenges in managing the administration in delivering uninterrupted quality cancer treatment while reducing exposure for patients throughout care during COVID-19. Objectives: This study examines how COVID-19 has affected breast cancer screening and treatment in a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria. Methodology: A qualitative cross-sectional design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 36 healthcare providers directly involved in breast cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic, including doctors, laboratory scientists, and technicians from the pathology, oncology, and internal medicine departments at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Thematic analysis was conducted using QDA Miner software to interpret recurring patterns/themes in the data. Result: Many participants said they were hesitant to work during the pandemic due to fear of infection and limited access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Still, most noted that breast cancer testing continued during this time. The facility was widely seen as having put reasonable safety measures in place. There were mixed views on how the pandemic affected patient visits; some noticed a drop early on, while others saw little change. Similar differences were reported about diagnostic turnaround time. Most agreed that fewer breast samples were tested during the pandemic than before or after. Conclusion: The pandemic significantly disrupted breast cancer services at LASUTH, primarily due to staff shortages, patient hesitancy, and limited medical supplies. While safety protocols helped mitigate some risks, the experience highlights the need for strengthened healthcare systems with robust contingency plans to ensure continuity of cancer care during health emergencies.