In a survey conducted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network survey of cancer patients and survivors, 87% of respondents said the COVID-19 pandemic had affected their health care in some manner, up from 51% in an April survey.
Of those in active treatment 79% reported delays to health care (up from 27%), including 17% of patients who reported delays to their cancer therapy like chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy. The most commonly reported effects for those in active treatment were for changes to in-person cancer provider appointments (57%*); and delays in access to imaging services (25% up from 20%) and surgical procedures (15% up from 8%). Delayed access to supportive services, including physical therapy or mental health care, remained steady (20%).
Nearly one in four patients surveyed say the pandemic has made it more difficult to contact their providers with questions about their health care needs, and one in five say they are worried their cancer could be growing or returning due to delays and interruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Forty-six percent said the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted their financial situation and ability to pay for care in some way (up from 38%). And nearly a quarter (23%) said they worry they may lose their health insurance due to the pandemic and its effects on the economy.
While a majority of respondents said they are sheltering in place, 18% said they were working outside the home, including 11% of those still in active treatment. More than a third (34%) of patients say they are anxious the pandemic will make it hard to afford basic household expenses; concerns that are especially prevalent among lower-income patients with more than half (54%) of those earning $30,000 or less reporting that they are worried about affording essentials, including rent, food and utilities.
This combined medical and financial stress has resulted in nearly half (48%) of patients saying the COVID-19 pandemic has had a moderate or major effect on their mental health. In particular, 67% said they worry it will be harder for them to stay safe when social distancing and other restrictions are relaxed in their area, and 70% of patients worry they will be unable to find protective equipment like gloves or masks to help keep them safe.
The survey also collected feedback from a small group of providers and caregivers who similarly reported concern about delayed care and difficulties providing support for patients while being unable to see them, as well as a lack of personal protective equipment. Caregivers, like patients, reported anxiety over reopening and the increased potential for their and their loved one’s exposure to the virus.
The web-based survey was taken by more than 1,200 cancer patients and survivors. This sample provides a margin of error +/- 3% and 96% confidence level. Additional input was provided by 111 caregivers and 139 health care providers supporting cancer patients and survivors.
