Treating Patients With Prostate Cancer During COVID-19 Era Poses New Challenges

Monica L. Baskin, PhD, professor, Division of Preventive Medicine, vice chair for culture and diversity, Department of Medicine, associate director, Community Outreach and Engagement, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, addresses the biggest challenges in treating patients with prostate cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era.

The biggest challenge is moving beyond the patient’s anxiety of coming into the clinic or getting involved at healthcare facilities due to concerns of COVID-19, according to Baskin. It’s important to balance these concerns with the patient’s ongoing need for treatment.

Baskin notes that many cases in prostate cancer are slow growing, in which case patients can wait for treatment. However, some patients are reluctant to complete screening and treating due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a challenge for many physicians, and it is important to move forward with cancer treatment and to do so in a safe manner, Baskin concludes.