Purpose of review: To summarize the current literature on the psychological impact of COVID-19 on patients with cancer, both in terms of the impact of the virus itself and of changes in the healthcare system; and to describe current recommendations for supporting patients with cancer during the pandemic.
Recent findings: Multiple studies have shown that patients with cancer experience high levels of psychological distress during COVID-19. Factors of greater vulnerability have been described as: being young, being female, low socioeconomic status, lower educational level, having low levels of hope or optimism, lower social support, and having cancer with curative intent. The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2pandemic has accelerated the healthcare digitization process. All departments involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer have made contingency plans to minimize the impact on patients.
Summary: Psychological distress is one of the most frequently occurring symptoms in patients with cancer during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a restructuring of the healthcare system. The paradigm shift may pose a challenge for both healthcare professionals and patients.
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