A scientific report on continuing cancer care during the lockdown for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic by Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati has been published in the journal Current Medical Issues. The report highlights the steps initiated by BBCI to continue providing cancer care during the lockdown and at the same time ensuring the safety of patients and health care workers of the institute. The report states about the initiation of non-contact thermal screening of people entering the hospital premises and the creation of the febrile clinic as early as 16^th March 2020, and providing teleconsultation to over 5000 cancer patients.

According to Dr Amal Chandra Kataki, Director of BBCI, there were many challenges in fighting Covid-19 and cancer together in a lockdown scenario. Facilities of campus guest houses and residential quarters for hospital staff and support from non-governmental organizations are essential for continuing cancer care services during pandemics in a lockdown scenario.

Use of social media and teleconsultations are crucial to connect with patients and improve patient satisfaction. We also ensured that Government schemes such as Atal Amrit Abhiyan and Ayushman Bharat continue to function without any hindrance, as this would greatly offer succour to cancer patients during the time of financial hardship due to the lockdown, further informed Dr Kataki.

Dr Manigreeva Krishnatreya from BBCI, who is the lead author of the report, said “during the first two phases of nationwide lockdown till 1^st May 2020, there was a 50% reduction in footfall of patients to the hospital. It was observed that there were no significant changes in reporting of various age-groups, and in fact, there was no major decline of patients above 60 years of age registering for the treatment. From our data, we have observed that cancer patients with moderate to severe symptoms will present to hospitals despite an ongoing pandemic. However, a large proportion of cancer patients in early stages with lesser symptoms will not present to the hospital for the diagnosis and further treatment during a lockdown, and this will result in stage migration of cancer patients to higher stages once the lockdown is lifted and patients start reporting to hospitals, which will be a major concern”