Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Care Services in Pernambuco, Brazil: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the overload of the healthcare system and the reallocation of resources, potentially affecting the management of chronic diseases such as cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the care of cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted using secondary data from electronic medical records from a hospital in Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil. Results: Medical consultations in general increased by 26% during the pandemic, while new consultations decreased by 4.75%, possibly delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. The demand for nurses and nutritionists increased by 20.30% and 16.32%, respectively, while requests for social workers and psychologists decreased. Discussion: Studies highlight the need to adapt health systems to ensure the safety of cancer patients, who are more susceptible to opportunistic infections during and after chemotherapy. This ensures that patients can continue their treatment safely. Conclusion: The results emphasize the importance of maintaining comprehensive and multidisciplinary cancer care during health crises and highlight the need for strengthened policies to ensure the continuity and safety of cancer care in future pandemics.