Health impacts on cancer patients: an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Because of the social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of health services and the participation in social activities of cancer patients have been reduced, which can have a direct impact on their health. Objective: To identify the repercussions on the cancer treatment, participation in social activities and emotional state of cancer patients in Brazil during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire for cancer patients. A non-probability sample was recruited by convenience. Sociodemographic and clinical data, physical activity levels and emotional state (DASS-21) during the pandemic were collected. Quantitative data were analyzed and the significance level set at 95% (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 105 individuals participated in the study. Results indicated that younger participants were more stressed; 16.2% reported interrupting cancer treatment and 42.9% cancelled examinations or appointments during the pandemic, associated with a higher rate of stress, anxiety, and depression. More than half of the individuals engaged in exercise before the pandemic, but only 35.2% did so in the previous 2 months. Physical exercise during the pandemic was associated with lower depression score. Conclusion: As observed worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a direct impact on the physical and mental health of cancer patients in Brazil.