Cancer care for Ukrainian refugees during the first 6 weeks of 2022 Russian invasion – An experience of a cancer reference centre in Poland. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Püsküllüoğlu, Mirosława; Grela-Wojewoda, Aleksandra; Szczubiałka, Gabriela; Zemełka, Tomasz; Lompart, Joanna; Sałek-Zań, Agata; Kopciński, Tomasz; Pasieka, Ewa; Adamczyk, Agnieszka; Mucha-Małecka, Anna; Kłęk, Stanisław; Ryś, Janusz; Ziobro, Marek
• Is Part Of: European journal of cancer. Volume 178(2023)
• Page Start: 234
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Health inequalities -- Health services -- Human migration -- Neoplasms; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Périodiques; Cancer; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8049

Abstract

Abstract: Background: On 24th of February 2022, Ukrainian cancer patients had to face a new war. Here we describe an experience of the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Branch Krakow in providing cancer care for Ukrainian refugees during the initial 6 weeks of war. We present patients' characteristic, point out the main challenges and share initiatives undertaken. Materials and methods: For this cross-sectional analysis, we have gathered demographic and clinical data together with date of crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border for 112 Ukrainian refugees with cancer who had their first-time oncology consultation between 24th February and 8th April 2022. We have also implemented national guidelines and created local procedures, interventions and policies to manage this situation. Results: The peak of patient inflow was the third week of War and refugees accounted for 13% of all first-time patients within that period of time. The majority of refugees were women (86%), treated radically (57%) with breast cancer (43%). Most of the patients required systemic treatment (67%). Amongst the main challenges at the time were differences in the reimbursement system, communication issues, lack of patients' documentation or tissue samples, prolonged diagnostic or treatment interruptions, increased risk of COVID-19 infections, chemotherapy side effects, and lack of procedures. Legal, procedural and organizational steps implemented at the local and national level were described. Conclusions: The Russian invasion on Ukraine forced an unexpectedly high number of Ukrainian cancer patients to seek help abroad, leading to the straining of the health care system in Poland. Highlights: We defined the profile of Ukrainian cancer refugee patients. Women with breast cancer accounted for majority of refugee patients. Literature regarding the refugees' cancer care impact on the health care system is missing. National and local solutions introduced to improve cancer care for Refugees are shown. Efforts should be directed at creating procedures and engaging international societies.