Table 2 Summary of selected articles investigating patient care during disasters caused by natural phenomena
Study | Title | Cancer type or patient group | Disaster type | Challenges identified | Preparedness measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rodriguez-Rabassa et al., 2020 [21] | Impact of a natural disaster on access to care and biopsychosocial outcomes among Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors | All | Hurricane | Significant barriers to care; increased serum inflammatory cytokines | None identified |
Calo et al., 2022 [22] | Disruptions in oncology care confronted by patients with gynecologic cancer following hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico | Gynecological cancers | Hurricane | Disruptions in care; challenges in communication | Patient resilience and local community support key to resuming care |
Baldwin et al., 2006 [23] | Moving hospitalized children all over the southeast: interstate transfer of pediatric patients during Hurricane Katrina | Pediatric | Hurricane | Transfer of patients overwhelmed nearby hospitals | Disaster plans must consider pediatric patients |
David-West et al., 2015 [24] | Cross-sectional study of the impact of a natural disaster on the delivery of gynecologic oncology care | Gynecological cancers | Hurricane | Delays in chemotherapy, surgery; increase in loss to follow-up | Access to chemotherapy most affected by disparities in care |
Dhillon et al., 2015 [25] | Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) outcomes in a public hospital setting: characteristics and outcomes from the Interim LSU Public Hospital (ILH) in New Orleans | Hepatocellular carcinoma | Hurricane | Lower 1-year survival | Attributed to lower use of sorafenib and procedural therapies |
Grew et al., 2013 [26] | The impact of superstorm Sandy on the care of radiation oncology patients | Radiotherapy patients | Hurricane | Prolongation of radiotherapy courses; re-stimulation required in most | Additional fractions and weekend shifts added afterward to maintain total duration of therapy |
Kanjanvaikoon et al., 2011 [27] | Long-term impact of natural disaster on cervical cancer demographics | Cervical cancer | Hurricane | Increased time to diagnosis and worse stage | Decreased use of screening services should be addressed as part of disaster planning |
Nagasaka et al., 2014 [28] | “When you are old, have cancer and a storm is approaching” -The effects of Hurricane Sandy on cancer patients and proposals on potential interventions | All | Hurricane | Significant increase in emergency room presentation of elderly patients | House calls, early and prioritized evacuation may minimize the effects of an approaching natural disaster |
Matsui et al., 2014 [29] | Ethical challenges for the design and conduct of mega-biobanking from Great East Japan Earthquake victims | All | Earthquake | 1200 medical professionals left disaster area post-event | Questions whether conducting research can respond to survivors’ immediate health needs and whether truly voluntary participation can be ensured |
Nakaya et al., 2015 [30] | The association between medical treatment of physical diseases and psychological distress after the Great East Japan Earthquake | All | Earthquake | Cancer treatment one of four conditions associated with psychological distress | NA |
Joob et al., 2011 [31] | Lesson for management of cancerous patient in the big flooding | All | Flood | One in five cancer centers in Thailand shut down, difficulty transporting patients, potential release of radioactive material into floodwater | Establish active care teams to serve patients at home, cross-hospital referral systems, plan to import drugs in cases of shortages |
Li et al., 2006 [32] | Years of potential life lost in residents affected by floods in Hunan, China | All | Flood | Higher cancer mortality in flood-affected villages | NA |