Socio-Cultural and Economic Impact of Corona Virus on Cancer Patients, Caregivers and Survivors

Abstract

Corona Virus Disease -19 (COVID-19) pandemic has a widespread impact on social, cultural and economic aspects of life. It has affected cancer patients in a big way because with onset of COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare resources were diverted to handle Corona virus infection. The cancer patient, their caregivers and healthcare professional are in dilemma of whether to continue the treatment or stop it for some time till COVID-19 infection settled down. The long-lasting effect of COVID-19 pandemic on socio-economic and mental health of cancer patients and health care workers will emerge in times to come. It is important that a tight balance be made between cancer treatment and its interruption due to COVID-19.

The Relationship between Coronavirus Anxiety, Mindfulness and Spiritual Health in Patients with Cancer: A Survey in Southeast Iran

“…Health care resources were mobilized to fight coronavirus infection. Cancer patients, their caregivers, and health care professionals do not know whether to continue treatment or wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to go away [ 43 ]. Büntzel et al [ 44 ] also showed that nearly half of the participants (43% of patients and 47% of physicians) expected negative consequences for patients’ physical condition, and that cancer patients felt emotional stress in 34% of their physicians.…”

Fear and Perception of People to Visit Dentists during COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Suggestions

“…8 Similarly, cancer patients also experienced stress and anxiety due to this highly contagious disease. 9 Likewise, patients seeking dental treatment are also afraid to visit dentists. 10,11 It has always been challenging for the dental setup staff to maintain cross-infection control and, mainly, during dental procedures that produce aerosols.…”

Corona pandemic overshadowing other diseases

“…14 Financial security in the form of insurance for the frontline health workers (who are at greater risk), should be introduced. 15 Countries must ensure that everyone can receive major services including health care, they must invest adequately in social protection programs to keep people safe and to shield them from the consequences of losing their livelihoods. 16…”