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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
The Impact of Canadian Medical Delays and Preventive Measures on Breast Cancer Experience: A Silent Battle Masked by the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, Vol.55(1), pp.55-67
2023
PMID: 35484788
Abstract
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the prioritization of breast cancer services towards patients who are currently in treatment or diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer, and the self-assessment of both tumor growth and treatment side effects. Alongside the stress associated with cancer itself, delays and complications due to COVID-19 may impact patients’ mental health.
Purpose:
To describe the experiences of Canadians living with breast cancer who received a diagnosis and/or treatment during the pandemic, and to identify their recommendations for improving patients well-being during future pandemics.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen women living with breast cancer who also completed the Distress Thermometer questionnaire. The transcripts were analyzed using a descriptive thematic content methodology.
Results:
Women who started their breast cancer screening or treatment before the pandemic reported fewer delays and less psychological distress than those who started during the pandemic. Participants reported feeling dehumanized while receiving their medical care, being unable to be accompanied during medical visits, and fearing treatment interruption during the pandemic. Patient recommendations for improving care and psychological support included the presence of family caregivers at consultations to receive the diagnosis and for the first treatment session.
Conclusion:
Study findings provide new insights on how healthcare restrictions during the pandemic impacted on patient experiences and their well-being during screening and treatment for breast cancer. The need for cancer nursing practices and care delivery strategies that promote the delivery of compassionate, patient-centred care and the provision of psychological support during future pandemics are identified.
Details
- Title
- The Impact of Canadian Medical Delays and Preventive Measures on Breast Cancer Experience: A Silent Battle Masked by the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Authors
- Justine Fortin (Corresponding Author) - Université du Québec à MontréalMarjolaine Rivest-Beauregard - McGill UniversityClarisse Defer - Hôpital Maisonneuve-RosemontMélissandre Leblanc - Université de MontréalLunie Anne Thamar Louis - Université de MontréalCarol-Anne Roy - Université du Québec en OutaouaisIsabelle Lapierre - Patient-partner, Montreal, Quebec, CanadaAlain Brunet - McGill UniversityMarjorie Montreuil - Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-MontréalMarie-France Marin - Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal
- Publication details
- The Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, Vol.55(1), pp.55-67
- Publisher
- Sage Publications, Inc.
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1177/08445621221097520
- ISSN
- 1705-7051; 0844-5621
- PMID
- 35484788
- Copyright note
- © The Author(s) 2022. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
- Grant note
- This work was supported by the Canadian Psychological Association
- Organisation Unit
- Thompson Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991105845202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nursing
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