Older survivors of cancer in the COVID-19 pandemic: Reflections and recommendations for future care.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Although the year after cancer treatment is challenging for all cancer survivors, older adults (≥60 years) face additional challenges due to age-related decline and high rates of comorbidity. There is a paucity of research on how health service interruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the experience of older cancer survivors. In this study we explore older cancer survivors' reflections on the pandemic and their suggestions for future care delivery when traditionally offered resources are not available.

Methods

We conducted 1:1 telephone interviews with adults 60 years and older previously diagnosed with breast and colorectal cancer and recently (≤12 months) discharged from their cancer care team. We analyzed the data using descriptive thematic analysis.

SUBMITTER: Haase KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7713572 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature