Abstract
INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 epidemic has had different effects on many diseases, including gastric cancer. Due to COVID-19 epidemic the importance of knowing the effects of the epidemic in patients to deal with it, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the diagnosis, treatment, concerns, problems, and mental health of patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: The present study was a systematic review by searching the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with the keywords of COVID-19 and gastric cancer. The articles that addressed any aspect of COVID-19 epidemic on diagnosis, treatment, problems, and mental health in patients with gastric cancer were included; the data were qualitatively summarized and presented in related tables. RESULTS: A total 22 articles were included. The effects of COVID-19 on gastric cancer were divided into four categories of the effects of COVID-19 on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, concerns, and problems and mental health of patients with gastric cancer. The COVID-19 epidemic has reduced the number of screenings, altered treatment, and delayed or discontinued treatment, which caused problems and concerns such as sleep disturbances and stress. CONCLUSION: Considering the effects of COVID-19 epidemic on gastric cancer and on the other hand, the continuation of the epidemic in the society, it is necessary for the officials and experts of the health system to design and implement necessary interventions to minimize the negative effects of epidemic on patients with gastric cancer.