Which One Causes More Anxiety: Pandemic or Cancer?

Introduction : We conducted a survey among cancer patients undergoing active oncology treatment to evaluate their psychological wellbeing during COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to healthy individuals and whether the COVID-19 anxiety affected treatment adherence. Material and Methods 402 participants were included in the study; 193 were cancer patients receiving active treatment while 209 were healthy volunteers. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and COVID-19 phobia scale (C19P-S) questionnaires were used. Results Patient group had significantly lower CP19-S compared to healthy individuals. Patients’ mean HADS-anxiety score was significantly higher. Mean depression scores were similar between patients and healthy volunteers. There were no treatment deferrals. Conclusion Although the pandemic increased levels of anxiety, oncology treatment continued to be a priority for cancer patients.