Mexico: main reasons for changes in breast cancer treatment 2020

According to a survey carried out between May and August of 2020, for nearly four out of ten Mexican breast cancer patients who had seen changes in their treatment in the prior 12 months, the COVID-19 pandemic was the main cause for the modification or the interruption of cancer treatment. However, the most common cause for these type of changes or suspensions was the health reform implemented by the Mexican government: six out of ten women struggling with their health care services blamed the replacement of Seguro Popular with the Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar (INSABI). Seguro Popular was one of the insurance plans available in Mexico, mainly intended for all Mexicans who were not affiliated to any other insurance plan, including informal and independent workers.