Soo Yeon Kim1, Sue Kim. 1. Author Affiliations: College of Nursing (Ms Kim) and Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute (Dr Kim), College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The worldwide spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted the treatment of cancer patients. Treatment changes can negatively affect patients' prognosis and may be psychologically burdensome. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore whether COVID-19-related treatment changes (delays, cancellations, changes) influenced fear of cancer recurrence, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients. METHODS: A convenience sample (n = 154) of patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer no longer than 2 years ago was obtained from an online community and social network site. The survey content included COVID-19-related treatment experiences and psychological status. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2 test, independent t test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (18.8%) had experienced COVID-19-related treatment changes, and changes of the treatment plan had a significant correlation with depression (t = 2.000, P = .047). Fear of cancer recurrence was high (mean score, 84.31 ± 24.23). Fifteen percent had moderate to severe levels of anxiety, and 24.7% had moderate to severe levels of depression. Narrative reports also identified COVID-19-related unforeseen costs. CONCLUSION: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, breast cancer patients experienced treatment changes, and changes in treatment plans were significantly associated with depression. Fear of recurrence, anxiety, and depression were found at high levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Oncology nurses should assess the psychological status of cancer patients in the early survivorship phase who appear to be especially vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oncology nurses can also monitor whether patients are receiving timely supportive care to alleviate fears and anxiety and assess financial needs for COVID-19-related costs.
BACKGROUND: The worldwide spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted the treatment of cancer patients. Treatment changes can negatively affect patients' prognosis and may be psychologically burdensome. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore whether COVID-19-related treatment changes (delays, cancellations, changes) influenced fear of cancer recurrence, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients. METHODS: A convenience sample (n = 154) of patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer no longer than 2 years ago was obtained from an online community and social network site. The survey content included COVID-19-related treatment experiences and psychological status. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2 test, independent t test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (18.8%) had experienced COVID-19-related treatment changes, and changes of the treatment plan had a significant correlation with depression (t = 2.000, P = .047). Fear of cancer recurrence was high (mean score, 84.31 ± 24.23). Fifteen percent had moderate to severe levels of anxiety, and 24.7% had moderate to severe levels of depression. Narrative reports also identified COVID-19-related unforeseen costs. CONCLUSION: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, breast cancer patients experienced treatment changes, and changes in treatment plans were significantly associated with depression. Fear of recurrence, anxiety, and depression were found at high levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Oncology nurses should assess the psychological status of cancer patients in the early survivorship phase who appear to be especially vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oncology nurses can also monitor whether patients are receiving timely supportive care to alleviate fears and anxiety and assess financial needs for COVID-19-related costs.
Authors: A Muls; S Georgopoulou; E Hainsworth; B Hartley; G O'Gara; S Stapleton; S Cruickshank Journal: Semin Oncol Date: 2022-08-22 Impact factor: 5.385
Authors: Bridget A Oppong; Maryam B Lustberg; Timiya S Nolan; Theresa Relation; Ko Un Park; Erin Healy; Annie Trance; Dori L Klemanski Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2022-07-27 Impact factor: 4.062
Authors: Macarena C Cáceres; Marta Nadal-Delgado; Casimiro López-Jurado; Demetrio Pérez-Civantos; Jorge Guerrero-Martín; Noelia Durán-Gómez Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-03-16 Impact factor: 4.614