Concerns and expectations of patients with cancer in the Covid-19 pandemic: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

İntroduction and aim: Cancer affects people psychologically and organically. The emotional state of cancer patients is fragile and can be affected by many factors. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mood and behavioral changes of cancer patients with solid cancer who are in follow-up and treatment. Material and Method: A face-to-face questionnaire was filled in solid cancer patients without known psychological disorders who applied to the Medical Oncology outpatient clinic between 1-30 September 2021. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the scale examining the perspectives on Covid-19 were applied to the patients whose consent was obtained. Results: A total of 235 people, 139 women and 63 men, participated in the survey. In the review of 202 completed surveys, the median age was 55 (23-83 years). In the study in which seventeen different solid cancer patients were evaluated, breast (52.5%), colon (19.3%) and lung (10.8%) cancers were most common. Most of the people who were more afraid of Covid-19 compared to cancer were patients who were on active cancer treatment. In the multivariate regression analysis, being on active treatment was found to be the only risk factor for 'being more afraid of Covid-19' compared to cancer. During Covid-19 pandemic, it was observed that 18 (8.9%) patients delayed their treatment/follow-up due to fear of Covid-19 infection. A high HADS anxiety score was observed in 58 (28.7%) patients, and a high HADS depression score was observed in 39 patients (19.3%). Conclusion: Cancer patients are seriously worried about the progression of their cancer due to changes in follow-up or treatment due to Covid-19 pandemic. However, despite the associated risks, they were found to want to continue their treatment as planned.