ABSTRACT
It is widely acknowledged that breast cancer patients are at risk for comorbid psychological distress, in the form of, inter alia, anxiety, body image dysphoria and depression, sometimes even to the point of hopelessness and suicidal ideation. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated containment measures which were brought into effect have led to increases in levels of stress within the general population, and more so for already distressed and vulnerable breast cancer patients and survivors. Changes in treatment routines, social isolation and anxiety regarding COVID-19 infection have rendered breast cancer patients at even greater risk for psychological distress, including fear of scheduling follow-up oncology consultations. This, along with some other concerns raises certain ethical issues for oncology healthcare professionals: treatments may render patients immunocompromised and at increased risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus or related variants, yet the patient cannot be left untreated. Against this backdrop, this article addresses some ethical implications, given the critical need for greater awareness of the psychological wellbeing of these patients during the pandemic and closer consultation between them and those healthcare professionals involved in their treatment.
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