Articles: sars-cov-2.
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The lancet oncology · Jul 2022
Feasibility of human papillomavirus self-sampling to combat COVID-19-related disruptions to cervical cancer screening: a cross-sectional survey.
The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among Chinese women in Hong Kong has been reported to range between 7% and 11%, and high-risk HPV genotypes accounted for about 90% of cases of cervical cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on a wide range of health outcomes because of limitations to the functioning of health services, including cervical cancer screening. The aim of this study was to assess HPV self-sampling as an alternative option for cervical cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ This study was supported by the Commissioned Health and Medical Research Fund of Food and Health Bureau of HKSAR Government (reference number CID-CUHK-E).
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Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were developed as an alternative to warfarin to treat and prevent thromboembolism, including stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients. The COVID-19 pandemic could increase the risk of stroke and/or the risk of bleeding in patients due to nonadherence or sub/supra-optimal dosing. ⋯ A 19% increase in mean DOAC's accompanied with 20% warfarin prescriptions decline was observed. ITS modelling showed an increase in DOAC prescription volume in March 2020 (+7 million items, p = 0.008). The pre-existing upward trend in DOAC prescriptions slowed during the period (-427,000 items, p = 0.007). Apixaban was the most frequently used DOAC and had the largest step-change in March 2020 (+5 million items, p = 0.010). The mean monthly combined cost of DOACs and warfarin was higher during the period. DOAC prescription trends were consistent across England's regions. Conclusion: The overall oral anticoagulants use in this period was lower than expected, indicating a medical needs gap, possibly due to adherence issues. The potential clinical and logistical consequences warrant further study to identify contributing factors and mitigate avoidable risks.
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The lancet oncology · Jul 2022
Oncological surgeries in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic: an epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive study.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health-care systems worldwide. Elective procedures, including cancer surgeries, were suspended in most hospitals in consequence of the need to prioritise emergencies and to reduce the risk of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The objective of this work was to understand the variation in the number of cancer surgeries after the partial suspension of these services in Brazil during the pandemic. ⋯ None.