ABSTRACT
Purpose: CRC prognosis has improved through guideline-based care. COVID-19 pandemic lead to re-allocation of health care resources potentially putting sections of cancer care at a disadvantage. We compared enrollment and clinical subgroups into our registry before and during the first (fw) and second wave (sw) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): CPP assembles clinical, histo-pathological and molecular data of pts. with resected CRC. Prospectively enrolled pts. during the fw (4-6/2020) and the sw (10-12/2020) were analyzed, focusing on total numbers, age and sex compared to corresponding pre-pandemic intervals of 2019. Due to site expansion (70 to 161) of CPP we calculated quarterly counts per site and in relation to total enrollment. Result(s): 2221 pts. enrolled into CPP during 2019 and 2020 were included, 47 % female (F) /53 % male (M). Mean age in 2019 was 71.9 years (y) vs 71.6 y in 2020. Mean number of pts. enrolled in CPP with primary diagnosis of CRC per site 2019/2020: fw 8,5/6.9 and sw 6.2/5.8. Evaluation for age showed: 2019%/2020% fw >70 y was 52.5/53.5 and <=70 y 47.5/ 46.5 respectively;for the sw > 70 y was 45.6/ 53.5;<=70 y 54.4/46.5. M vs F in fw 2019%/2020% M 50.5/61;F 49.5/39;in sw M 57.6/56;F 42.4/44. Discussion(s): CPP did not detect substantial differences in total counts of enrolled patients or distribution of age and sex. We detected a slight dip in enrollment together with a small shift toward men in fw as well as to elderly pts. in sw. Enrollment of pts. into registries seems to be feasible even in pandemic situation. Potentially, a possible data bias as preference of registry enrollment over randomized controlled trials. Conclusion(s): Real world data from CPP must be complemented by additional data for comprehensive assessment of colon cancer care and will be complemented for final data presentation in 2022 with data collected during the third and omicron wave.
ABSTRACT
Background: Studies show that approx. half of all cancer patients suffer at least temporarily from severe psychological or social distress. However, little is known about the needs and use of psycho-oncological care of cancer patients with a migration background and their relatives, especially regarding people from Asia and Africa, in particular from the Near and Middle East. Hence, we investigate how this group of patients and their relatives deal with their cancer experience and what support needs they express. The project is funded by the German Cancer Aid Foundation. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with cancer patients and relatives who were obtained through office-based oncological practices. The interviews were transcribed and translated into German by native speakers. The collected data was analysed using the qualitative content analysis method. The results were used to develop a questionnaire, which will be distributed in a nationwide quantitative survey in spring/summer 2021. Results: A total of six patients and three relatives were interviewed between January and November 2020. They came from Syria (n=3), Afghanistan (n=2), Pakistan (n=1), Lebanon (n=1) and Turkey (n=2). Recruitment turned out to be difficult, not only due to the current SARS-CoV2-pandemic, but also because patients declined. The only reason provided for non-participation was “no interest”. No further reasons were given. During the interviews, patients told us that they relied on family members for translation, driving them to doctoral appointments as well as taking care of family duties. When asked about thoughts and feelings regarding the diagnosis, they reported that they did not always want to share their feelings with family and friends, partly to protect them from the emotional burden, but also to avoid being pitied. Patients were either open towards psychosocial support, had already experienced it, never heard about this kind of support or were never made aware of the offer by their physician. Conclusions: Our findings provide a first impression about how patients with migration background and their relatives deal with thoughts and feelings after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Reasons why support is sought, and which barriers exist in order to seek help, are very heterogeneous. Further analyses based on the quantitative survey data will show how gender, culture and the current living situation might influence dealing with cancer-related stress and emotions.