Period: 2021

Researchers: Javier Roberti, María Belizán, Juan Pedro Alonso, Natalí Ini, María Alejandra Iglesias

Objectives: Know the obstacles to accessing cancer treatments from the perspective of women with breast cancer; and identify the implemented strategies and best practices for adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic in two locations in the Province of Buenos Aires.

Summary: The advance of the coronavirus infection pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) presents an unprecedented challenge in the therapeutic approach of cancer patients, in the attempt to balance the benefits of onco-specific treatment and the potential increased risk of COVID-19 contagion. This project proposes to understand the obstacles to accessing oncological treatments from the perspective of women with breast cancer; and identify the implemented strategies and best practices for adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic in two locations in the Province of Buenos Aires. The experiences of patients living with the disease and treatment will provide information on the barriers and facilitators identified by patients.

A qualitative approach will be used with semi-structured interviews. At the beginning of the study, a review of the bibliography will be carried out and between 3 and 4 interviews are planned with representatives of patient associations in order to find out the major problems and to develop interview question guides. Semi-structured interviews will then be carried out virtually with women undergoing oncological treatment for breast cancer. An intentional sample of at least 40 women is proposed – until the theoretical saturation criterion of the data is reached – in two locations in the province of Buenos Aires. The data will be analyzed from the grounded theory approach. With the findings of the study, recommendations will be developed to improve treatment adherence in times of pandemic and post-pandemic so that they can be used by health services, patient associations and health personnel.

This study has the participation of representatives of an association of cancer patients (SOSTEN) from its inception and in all instances.

Financiers: National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Health of the Argentine Nation

Type of study: qualitative methodological strategy