Emotional Stress and Health Concerns Caused by Follow-Up Delays due to Covid-19 Pandemic in Patients with Breast Cancer

Follow-up of breast cancer patients was interrupted due to inadequate health services caused by the coronavirus pandemic (Covid -19). We wanted to investigate the psychological effects of these interruptions in patient care, such as emotional stress, health anxiety, and depressive states.

Methods: Our study was conducted by applying a 27-question online questionnaire to 187 volunteer breast cancer patients followed at the breast outpatient clinic of our hospital, which has been transformed into one of the most complete pandemic hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. The questionnaire consisted of the first part with a consent form and sociodemographic data and the second part. Approval by the ethics committee (Approval nº: 2445/2020).

Results:The rate of delayed breast cancer control visits due to COVID-19 was lower in patients diagnosed within one year than those diagnosed more than 1 year ago (eg, 1-5 years, before 5 years). The mean severity score of feeling depressed was 3.52 ± 1.22 out of 5. The depression score was significantly higher among those who felt fear of death because they could not go to its control and those who did not.

Results:The rate of delayed breast cancer control visits due to COVID-19 was lower in patients diagnosed within one year than those diagnosed more than 1 year ago (eg, 1-5 years, before 5 years). The mean severity score of feeling depressed was 3.52 ± 1.22 out of 5. The depression score was significantly higher among those who felt fear of death because they could not go to its control and those who did not.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Depression; Hopeless; Covid-19