Extreme Weather Events and Disruptions to Cancer Care: How the Oncology Community Can Prepare.

Abstract

Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity, disrupting health care services across the cancer care continuum. Oncology professionals and patients are directly affected by these events, yet preparedness and resilience planning specific to cancer care remain limited. This commentary synthesizes current knowledge on the impacts of extreme weather events on oncology care and draws on lessons from prior disasters to highlight opportunities for action. Three illustrative case studies regarding Hurricane Katrina, California wildfires, and Texas Winter Storm Uri highlight commonalities between different types of disasters and geographic locations, including patterns of disruption related to infrastructure damage, power outages, workforce strain, and challenges to continuity of care. Existing evidence-informed strategies to enhance resilience across clinical, institutional, and policy domains include integrating climate resilience into clinical training and practice, adapting infrastructure and operations, reviewing local climate vulnerabilities, and strengthening partnerships with community organizations. As extreme weather events increasingly threaten cancer care delivery and patient outcomes, proactive, coordinated efforts by oncology professionals and health systems are essential to maintain high-quality care in a changing environment.