As cancer care takes a hit, poor patients bear brunt

TNN | Apr 8, 2020, 04.09 AM IST

Madurai: With only a few general consultations for cancer screening coming in every day and lesser people being referred for treatment in both government and private hospitals, cancer care has been taking a hit in the lockdown. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation are also facing difficulties in logistics to go for treatment, thereby remaining exposed to infection amid the Covid-19 scare.

“Hardly a few patients are coming in for general consultations in government hospitals because many can’t afford to arrange for transport. Cancer is not simple to just diagnose and start treatment. Usually, people consulting physicians with minor ailments are referred for cancer screening. In the current situation, people are not likely to visit hospitals unless it is an emergency,” said Dr M Ramesh, head, department of surgical oncology, Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH). However, doctors said that if the lockdown is not extended and at least gradually relaxed for beyond 10-15 days from now, there is nothing to be alarmed about.

Cancer surgeries continue to be performed for those requiring it in all hospitals. However, surgical oncology departments are also seeing less number of patients coming in because there are lesser referrals. “All emergency surgeries are being performed. In some cases, the surgery could be postponed if the tumour is in the initial stage and we advise management by chemotherapy. However, for cancers affecting bone, soft tissues or oral cancer, surgery is the only solution and we perform it immediately,” Dr Ramesh said.

It has not been easy for cancer patients availing of routine chemotherapy and radiation therapy, particularly for poorer sections and those from rural areas. 102 Ambulances are currently ferrying such people . Around 50-60 cancer patients have so far made use of the ambulance in Madurai district alone in the past ten days.

“No cancer patient should be stranded at his home town sick and unattended. Less toxic chemotherapy regimens with lesser hospital visits and oral chemotherapy regimens may minimize exposure of both patient and the caregiver to Covid-19 sources. Certain planned chemo schedules may be delayed, however patients requiring chemotherapy for day-to-day control of disease may continue their therapy under strict monitoring. Oncologists can also decide to postpone or modify radiation therapy depending on the clinical situation,” said Dr Krishnakumar Rathnam, head, Department of Medical Oncology, Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMHRC).