Learning from organisational changes in the management of breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: Preparing for a second wave at a breast unit in northern Italy

Abstract

Italy was the first western country to be hit by the initial wave of severe adult respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic, which has been more widespread in the country's northern regions. Early reports showing that cancer patients are more susceptible to the infection posed a particular challenge that has guided our Breast Unit at Hub Hospital in Trento to making a number of stepwise operational changes. New internal guidelines and treatment selection criteria were drawn up by a virtual multidisciplinary tumour board that took into account the risks and benefits of treatment, and distinguished the patients requiring immediate treatment from those whose treatment could be delayed. A second wave of the pandemic is expected in the autumn as gatherings in closed places increase. We will take advantage of the gained experience and organisational changes implemented during the first wave in order to improve further, and continue to offer breast cancer management and treatment to our vulnerable patient population.