Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer surgeries in a Canadian population.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted breast cancer (BC) surgeries. Most studies showing reduced BC surgical volumes during the pandemic are from single institutions, few have described volume changes in different types of surgical procedures. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on BC surgery volumes and types at a population level.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Cancer Care: A Qualitative Analysis of Surgeons' Perspectives.

Introduction: While studies have documented delays in breast cancer (BC) care during the COVID-19 pandemic due to healthcare restrictions, there have been no studies on the experiences, and, particularly, the challenges with providing care faced by breast surgeons during this unprecedented time. This paper aims to understand the perspectives of breast surgeons regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BC care.

Methods: We used purposeful and snowball sampling to identify breast surgeons in Ontario, Canada.

#COVID19 and #Breastcancer: A Qualitative Analysis of Tweets.

Rapid and efficient communication regarding quickly evolving medical information was paramount for healthcare providers and patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last several years, social media platforms such as Twitter have emerged as important tools for health promotion, virtual learning among healthcare providers, and patient support. We conducted a qualitative thematic content analysis on tweets using the hashtags #BreastSurgery, #BreastCancer, #BreastOncology, #Pandemic, and #COVID19.

High Risk Breast Cancer Screening is a Double Edged Sword: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives on the Ontario High Risk Breast Cancer Screening Program.

Background: MRI-based breast cancer screening for high-risk women has been associated with false positives. This study explored the benefits and drawbacks of MRI-based screening using in-depth patient interviews.

Methods: This was a qualitative study of interviews with women participating in the High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program.

Profiles of Burnout and Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among General Surgery Residents at a Large Academic Training Program.

Background: COVID-19 has placed demands on General Surgery residents, who are already at high risk of burnout. This study examined the pandemic's impact on burnout and wellness among General Surgery residents at a large training program.

Methods: General Surgery residents at our institution completed a survey focused on self-reported burnout, mental health, perceptions of wellness resources, and changes in activities during the pandemic.

Axillary surgery and complication rates after mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer: an analysis of the NSQIP database.

Purpose: Some series have shown increased complications with extended nodal surgery and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with implants. We aim to explore complications associated with axillary dissection compared to sentinel lymph node biopsy at a population level.

Methods: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant user files from 2008-2018 were searched to create a cohort of female patients undergoing unilateral mastectomy with IBR and axillary surgery for non-metastatic breast cancer.

Challenges in Cross-Cultural Communication in Breast Cancer Surgery: Is there a Gender Gap?

The aim of this study is to identify [1] facilitators and barriers to cross-cultural communication with Canadian immigrants during the breast cancer (BC) surgical consultation and [2] the impact of cultural sensitivity training on the perception of cross-cultural communication barriers. A 29-item questionnaire mailed to 450 surgeons was developed based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, informed by interviews with BC practitioners and a literature review. The inclusion criteria are English-speaking general surgeons practicing in Vancouver, Montréal, and Toronto, home to > 60% of Canada's immigrant population.