A Demographic Look at Cancer Treatment Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract/SummaryO_ST_ABSBackgroundC_ST_ABSWhile numerous studies have explored the relationship between COVID-19 and cancer, few have specifically examined the significant impact of the pandemic on cancer patients, particularly concerning their treatments and appointments. ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate cancer treatment behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThis retrospective quantitative study utilized data from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Health Interview Survey of 2020. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies conducted within the United States; patients diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began; patients diagnosed with cancer within the United States; patients undergoing cancer treatment or in remission since the start of the pandemic; patients who experienced a change, delay, or cancellation of treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic; patients who experienced a change or delay in cancer care due to the COVID-19 pandemic; patients with a weakened immune system due to prescriptions; and patients who took prescription medication within the past 12 months. The variables were analyzed against population characteristics, including age, race, gender, cancer type, and COVID-19 status. Python Jupyter Notebook (packaged by Anaconda Navigator in R Studio, version 6.4.8), Microsoft Excel for data cleaning and assessment, and SPSS were used for statistical analyses. ResultsChi-Square Analysis (p<.05) revealed significant associations between cancer treatment and gender (p=0.009), other cancer treatments and age (p<.001) and education (p<.001), changes in other cancer treatments and gender (p=0.045), race (p<.001), age (p<.001), and education (p=.013), and prescribed medication and gender (p=.009), family income (p<.001), and age (p<.001). ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted cancer care in the U.S., affecting the delivery of treatments. Additional government funding is necessary to help medical facilities develop programs for off-site treatment delivery, to better prepare for future pandemics, and avoid repeating past challenges.