This survey is part of a Breast Cancer Now funded Project to measure the Impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer services and patients.
 

The work is taking place in Queen's University Belfast with patients and clinicians part of the research team. 

WHY-
The reason for this work is that 
Globally, breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment services have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) reported a 34% reduction in pathological diagnosed breast cancers between March and June 2020 compared with the similar period 2017-2019.

Aim

The project aims to improve outcomes for male and female breast cancer patients by documenting the impact of COVID-19 on their care and identifying areas where service improvements are needed now and in the future.

HOW   

Techniques and Methodology
This online ethically approved, self-completed survey to ensure the voices of patients are heard  
We will later undertake some interviews with breast cancer patients about their experiences during the pandemic. 
 
We are also measuring data on 2,200 breast cancer patients diagnosed in Northern Ireland (NI), half from March to December 2020 (COVID-19 era) the remainder from 2018 (PRE-COVID-19). on the method of presentation (screening/ emergency), investigations, comorbidities (other diseases including COVID-19), molecular markers, stage, treatment and survival. We will also measure adherence to relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) breast cancer guidance. This work is taking place in the secure (ISO 27001 accredited) environment of the NI Cancer Registry. 

Impact on breast cancer research
This study will provide new information on the impact of COVID-19. This will aid service recovery and safeguarding of breast cancer services in the UK should future disruptions occur and enable comparisons with similar national/international data. 
Anonymous datasets generated will facilitate further studies investigating the impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer patients including long term survival and will be available for use by other researchers e.g. NI biobank.