Readdressing Cancer Patient Concerns and the Role of Health Communication Amid the 2 COVID-19 Waves—A Perspective

Abstract

During the period (2019-2021), the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread rapidly and caused massive mortality worldwide. Patients with decreased immunity such as cancer patients remained at a high risk of getting an infection because of compromised immunity. Also, as per literature, advanced age and comorbidities further added to the risk of getting the COVID-19 infection in patients undergoing radiation/chemotherapy. The very thoughts of disease progression and treatment delays, which were among the major patient concerns during this period, lead to an environment of fear among cancer patients and their caregivers. To combat it, besides amendments in treatment policies, effective communication with patients and their caregivers was essential. The article thus aims to overview the various concerns of the patients and highlight the potential role that health-related communication played during the 2 phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.