In the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, the Quebec Cancer Coalition surveyed oncology patients to understand the impact of the pandemic measures on them. The results of the consultations conducted with 592 Quebec patients with various types of cancer and spread across almost all regions in the province, show that nearly 61% of them are currently affected in the continuity of their care.

Oncology Patients Are Concerned About the Impact of the Crisis

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the Coalition has received numerous communications from patients concerned about the current situation. It should be noted that in oncology, any unexplained change and existing wait times are already causing anxiety for patients and their families. The current environment brings significant additional concerns. Indeed, the results illustrate that a large majority of respondents currently feel abandoned by the system and feel that have very little information about what will happen next in their care, and why. In addition, most oncology patients are in a very fragile state of health, which is also a source of concern since many of them are worried about contracting the virus and the consequences this could have.