Purpose: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression, anxiety, and loneliness between those with and without a history of cancer.
Design: This prospective observational study used a quantitative approach.
Participants: Adult members of the Kaiser Permanente Research Bank (N = 104,640).
Methods: Participants completed a series of surveys from May to December 2020. The difference in score of depression, anxiety, and loneliness were estimated using linear mixed regression.
Findings: Among cancer survivors, 21% and 19% met the thresholds for increased risk of depression and anxiety. Among cancer survivors, younger age groups and females reported increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness scores.
Conclusions: This study highlights the continued necessity of addressing mental health needs and social support in cancer survivors during and after a public health emergency.
Implications for psychosocial providers: Cancer survivors may need particular resources after cancer treatment to strengthen resilience and improve quality of life.
Keywords: COVID-19; anxiety; cancer survivors; depression; loneliness.