Cancer survivor worries about treatment disruption and detrimental health outcomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: We examined cancer survivor worries about treatment, infection, and finances early in the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Closed- and open-ended online survey questions were collected from adult cancer survivors (N = 972). Methods: Logistic regression identified factors associated with treatment, infection, and financial worry. Thematic qualitative analysis generated information around participants’ experiences and worries related to COVID-19 and healthcare. Findings: Characteristics including marital status, race/ethnicity, cancer type, time since last treatment, education, and age were associated with health and healthcare worry outcomes. Survivors commonly expressed uncertainty about future care, fears about in-person appointments, rationed COVID-19 care, recurrence due to care delays, and distress about untreated symptoms, including mental health issues. Conclusions: Early in the pandemic, survivors worried about and experienced cancer care delays, COVID infection, and how the pandemic would affect their prognosis. Implications: Healthcare professionals need to be aware of cancer survivors’ concerns and uncertainties to provide appropriate care.