COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria

Adesokan Joseph Oluwatobi; Felix Olaniyi Sanni; Abiodun Olaiya Paul; Odunlade Adekola John; Chidozie Mbada

doi:doi:10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33

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| Peer-Reviewed

COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria

Adesokan Joseph Oluwatobi

, Felix Olaniyi Sanni^*

, Abiodun Olaiya Paul

, Odunlade Adekola John

, Chidozie Mbada

Published in World Journal of Public Health (Volume 10, Issue 3)

Received: 22 July 2025 Accepted: 6 August 2025 Published: 13 September 2025

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Abstract

Background: Oncologists have faced major challenges in managing the administration in delivering uninterrupted quality cancer treatment while reducing exposure for patients throughout care during COVID-19. Objectives: This study examines how COVID-19 has affected breast cancer screening and treatment in a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria. Methodology: A qualitative cross-sectional design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 36 healthcare providers directly involved in breast cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic, including doctors, laboratory scientists, and technicians from the pathology, oncology, and internal medicine departments at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Thematic analysis was conducted using QDA Miner software to interpret recurring patterns/themes in the data. Result: Many participants said they were hesitant to work during the pandemic due to fear of infection and limited access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Still, most noted that breast cancer testing continued during this time. The facility was widely seen as having put reasonable safety measures in place. There were mixed views on how the pandemic affected patient visits; some noticed a drop early on, while others saw little change. Similar differences were reported about diagnostic turnaround time. Most agreed that fewer breast samples were tested during the pandemic than before or after. Conclusion: The pandemic significantly disrupted breast cancer services at LASUTH, primarily due to staff shortages, patient hesitancy, and limited medical supplies. While safety protocols helped mitigate some risks, the experience highlights the need for strengthened healthcare systems with robust contingency plans to ensure continuity of cancer care during health emergencies.

Published in	World Journal of Public Health (Volume 10, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33
Page(s)	412-422
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Breast Cancer, COVID-19, Diagnosis, Protective Clothing, Pandemic

References

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APA Style

Oluwatobi, A. J., Sanni, F. O., Paul, A. O., John, O. A., Mbada, C. (2025). COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria. World Journal of Public Health, 10(3), 412-422. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33

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ACS Style

Oluwatobi, A. J.; Sanni, F. O.; Paul, A. O.; John, O. A.; Mbada, C. COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria. World J. Public Health 2025, 10(3), 412-422. doi: 10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33

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AMA Style

Oluwatobi AJ, Sanni FO, Paul AO, John OA, Mbada C. COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria. World J Public Health. 2025;10(3):412-422. doi: 10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33

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@article{10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33,
  author = {Adesokan Joseph Oluwatobi and Felix Olaniyi Sanni and Abiodun Olaiya Paul and Odunlade Adekola John and Chidozie Mbada},
  title = {COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria
},
  journal = {World Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {10},
  number = {3},
  pages = {412-422},
  doi = {10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjph.20251003.33},
  abstract = {Background: Oncologists have faced major challenges in managing the administration in delivering uninterrupted quality cancer treatment while reducing exposure for patients throughout care during COVID-19. Objectives: This study examines how COVID-19 has affected breast cancer screening and treatment in a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria. Methodology: A qualitative cross-sectional design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 36 healthcare providers directly involved in breast cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic, including doctors, laboratory scientists, and technicians from the pathology, oncology, and internal medicine departments at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Thematic analysis was conducted using QDA Miner software to interpret recurring patterns/themes in the data. Result: Many participants said they were hesitant to work during the pandemic due to fear of infection and limited access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Still, most noted that breast cancer testing continued during this time. The facility was widely seen as having put reasonable safety measures in place. There were mixed views on how the pandemic affected patient visits; some noticed a drop early on, while others saw little change. Similar differences were reported about diagnostic turnaround time. Most agreed that fewer breast samples were tested during the pandemic than before or after. Conclusion: The pandemic significantly disrupted breast cancer services at LASUTH, primarily due to staff shortages, patient hesitancy, and limited medical supplies. While safety protocols helped mitigate some risks, the experience highlights the need for strengthened healthcare systems with robust contingency plans to ensure continuity of cancer care during health emergencies.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria

AU  - Adesokan Joseph Oluwatobi
AU  - Felix Olaniyi Sanni
AU  - Abiodun Olaiya Paul
AU  - Odunlade Adekola John
AU  - Chidozie Mbada
Y1  - 2025/09/13
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33
DO  - 10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33
T2  - World Journal of Public Health
JF  - World Journal of Public Health
JO  - World Journal of Public Health
SP  - 412
EP  - 422
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-6059
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33
AB  - Background: Oncologists have faced major challenges in managing the administration in delivering uninterrupted quality cancer treatment while reducing exposure for patients throughout care during COVID-19. Objectives: This study examines how COVID-19 has affected breast cancer screening and treatment in a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria. Methodology: A qualitative cross-sectional design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 36 healthcare providers directly involved in breast cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic, including doctors, laboratory scientists, and technicians from the pathology, oncology, and internal medicine departments at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Thematic analysis was conducted using QDA Miner software to interpret recurring patterns/themes in the data. Result: Many participants said they were hesitant to work during the pandemic due to fear of infection and limited access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Still, most noted that breast cancer testing continued during this time. The facility was widely seen as having put reasonable safety measures in place. There were mixed views on how the pandemic affected patient visits; some noticed a drop early on, while others saw little change. Similar differences were reported about diagnostic turnaround time. Most agreed that fewer breast samples were tested during the pandemic than before or after. Conclusion: The pandemic significantly disrupted breast cancer services at LASUTH, primarily due to staff shortages, patient hesitancy, and limited medical supplies. While safety protocols helped mitigate some risks, the experience highlights the need for strengthened healthcare systems with robust contingency plans to ensure continuity of cancer care during health emergencies.

VL  - 10
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Adesokan Joseph Oluwatobi

Physiotherapy, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0321-4819
Felix Olaniyi Sanni

Research and Development, Fescosof Data Solutions, Ota, Nigeria

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http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7761-3604
Abiodun Olaiya Paul

Public Health Department, Texila America University, Abuja, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6340-6444
Odunlade Adekola John

Reablement care, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Abuja, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-6947-6378
Chidozie Mbada

Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Abuja, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3666-7432

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APA Style

Oluwatobi, A. J., Sanni, F. O., Paul, A. O., John, O. A., Mbada, C. (2025). COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria. World Journal of Public Health, 10(3), 412-422. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33

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ACS Style

Oluwatobi, A. J.; Sanni, F. O.; Paul, A. O.; John, O. A.; Mbada, C. COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria. World J. Public Health 2025, 10(3), 412-422. doi: 10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33

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AMA Style

Oluwatobi AJ, Sanni FO, Paul AO, John OA, Mbada C. COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria. World J Public Health. 2025;10(3):412-422. doi: 10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33

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@article{10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33,
  author = {Adesokan Joseph Oluwatobi and Felix Olaniyi Sanni and Abiodun Olaiya Paul and Odunlade Adekola John and Chidozie Mbada},
  title = {COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria
},
  journal = {World Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {10},
  number = {3},
  pages = {412-422},
  doi = {10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjph.20251003.33},
  abstract = {Background: Oncologists have faced major challenges in managing the administration in delivering uninterrupted quality cancer treatment while reducing exposure for patients throughout care during COVID-19. Objectives: This study examines how COVID-19 has affected breast cancer screening and treatment in a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria. Methodology: A qualitative cross-sectional design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 36 healthcare providers directly involved in breast cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic, including doctors, laboratory scientists, and technicians from the pathology, oncology, and internal medicine departments at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Thematic analysis was conducted using QDA Miner software to interpret recurring patterns/themes in the data. Result: Many participants said they were hesitant to work during the pandemic due to fear of infection and limited access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Still, most noted that breast cancer testing continued during this time. The facility was widely seen as having put reasonable safety measures in place. There were mixed views on how the pandemic affected patient visits; some noticed a drop early on, while others saw little change. Similar differences were reported about diagnostic turnaround time. Most agreed that fewer breast samples were tested during the pandemic than before or after. Conclusion: The pandemic significantly disrupted breast cancer services at LASUTH, primarily due to staff shortages, patient hesitancy, and limited medical supplies. While safety protocols helped mitigate some risks, the experience highlights the need for strengthened healthcare systems with robust contingency plans to ensure continuity of cancer care during health emergencies.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - COVID-19 and Breast Cancer: A Case Study of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria

AU  - Adesokan Joseph Oluwatobi
AU  - Felix Olaniyi Sanni
AU  - Abiodun Olaiya Paul
AU  - Odunlade Adekola John
AU  - Chidozie Mbada
Y1  - 2025/09/13
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33
DO  - 10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33
T2  - World Journal of Public Health
JF  - World Journal of Public Health
JO  - World Journal of Public Health
SP  - 412
EP  - 422
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-6059
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.33
AB  - Background: Oncologists have faced major challenges in managing the administration in delivering uninterrupted quality cancer treatment while reducing exposure for patients throughout care during COVID-19. Objectives: This study examines how COVID-19 has affected breast cancer screening and treatment in a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria. Methodology: A qualitative cross-sectional design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 36 healthcare providers directly involved in breast cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic, including doctors, laboratory scientists, and technicians from the pathology, oncology, and internal medicine departments at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Thematic analysis was conducted using QDA Miner software to interpret recurring patterns/themes in the data. Result: Many participants said they were hesitant to work during the pandemic due to fear of infection and limited access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Still, most noted that breast cancer testing continued during this time. The facility was widely seen as having put reasonable safety measures in place. There were mixed views on how the pandemic affected patient visits; some noticed a drop early on, while others saw little change. Similar differences were reported about diagnostic turnaround time. Most agreed that fewer breast samples were tested during the pandemic than before or after. Conclusion: The pandemic significantly disrupted breast cancer services at LASUTH, primarily due to staff shortages, patient hesitancy, and limited medical supplies. While safety protocols helped mitigate some risks, the experience highlights the need for strengthened healthcare systems with robust contingency plans to ensure continuity of cancer care during health emergencies.

VL  - 10
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download