Abstract
BACKGROUND: While numerous studies have explored the relationship between COVID-19 and cancer, few have specifically examined the significant impact of the pandemic on cancer patients, particularly concerning their treatments and appointments. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate cancer treatment behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This retrospective quantitative study utilized data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health Interview Survey of 2020. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies conducted within the United States; patients diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began; patients diagnosed with cancer within the United States; patients undergoing cancer treatment or in remission since the start of the pandemic; patients who experienced a change, delay, or cancellation of treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic; patients who experienced a change or delay in cancer care due to the COVID-19 pandemic; patients with a weakened immune system due to prescriptions; and patients who took prescription medication within the past 12 months. The variables were analyzed against population characteristics, including age, race, gender, cancer type, and COVID-19 status. Python Jupyter Notebook (packaged by Anaconda Navigator in R Studio, version 6.4.8), Microsoft Excel for data cleaning and assessment, and SPSS were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Chi-Square Analysis (p<.05) revealed significant associations between cancer treatment and gender (p=0.009), other cancer treatments and age (p<.001) and education (p<.001), changes in other cancer treatments and gender (p=0.045), race (p<.001), age (p<.001), and education (p=.013), and prescribed medication and gender (p=.009), family income (p<.001), and age (p<.001). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted cancer care in the U.S., affecting the delivery of treatments. Additional government funding is necessary to help medical facilities develop programs for off-site treatment delivery, to better prepare for future pandemics, and avoid repeating past challenges.