Research into the effects of the COVID pandemic on children and young individuals with brain tumors has highlighted how many procedures or treatments were often delayed due to the unavailability of essential personnel or resources.
The initial study examining the effects of the COVID pandemic on children and young individuals with brain tumors has revealed that numerous investigations or treatments were frequently delayed because key individuals or resources were unavailable.
The research, published in the British Medical Journal Open, was conducted by Lancaster University in collaboration with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester University, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Paediatric brain tumors rank as the second most common type of childhood cancer, with approximately 500 young patients diagnosed each year in the UK. Delays in diagnosis can complicate treatment options and heighten the risk of fatality or disability.
However, diagnosing these tumors can be challenging since symptoms can be vague and are frequently identified in settings such as optometry, primary care, nurseries, and schools—many of which were impacted during the pandemic.
The investigation, supported by Action Medical Research for Children, included interviews with parents, caregivers, children and young people, healthcare professionals, and charities across the UK from January 2022 to June 2023.
Dr. Liz Brewster from Lancaster University stated: “Families shared incredibly moving accounts of their children receiving treatment during the pandemic.”
The principal researchers included Mr. Ibrahim Jalloh, a consultant neurosurgeon at Addenbrooke’s, and Professor Rachel Isba from Lancaster Medical School and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where she practices as a consultant in Paediatric Public Health Medicine.
Professor Isba remarked: “This study not only highlights the difficulties that families faced during the pandemic but also offers recommendations for enhancing healthcare services to provide a more thorough and effective response in future crises.”
During lockdowns, it became increasingly challenging to meet with GPs in person, and remote consultations depended heavily on accurate reporting from caregivers to identify key warning signs.
One caregiver shared: “Many of the consultations were over the phone. They wouldn’t see us in person due to COVID… When you explain things over the phone, they tend to just agree with you, taking only your perspective into account.”
Children were not being observed in other environments such as nurseries, schools, or social gatherings, further complicating caregivers’ ability to assess their concerns.
A specialist nurse noted: “We missed a few cases of delayed presentation simply because parents didn’t realize that their child was different from others. It was only when the child became quite ill that it was recognized during a visit to A&E.”
Caregivers often felt the need to remain ‘strong’ for their children while dealing with their own trauma, as infection control measures presented substantial hurdles.
One caregiver expressed: “When [my daughter] came out of surgery, I was not permitted to see her because I wasn’t the designated parent. It was devastating, truly heartbreaking, not being able to check if my child was alright.”
Dr. Brewster emphasized: “It is crucial that we draw lessons from these experiences to better manage healthcare in difficult situations and make improvements for the future.”
