Two wars on one front: Experiences of gynaecological cancer patients in the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of gynaecological cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic from their own perspectives. METHODS: The study is a descriptive study with a qualitative design based on thematic analysis. We conducted the study with 17 women with gynaecological cancer and receiving chemotherapy in the Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy Unit of Kütahya Training and Research Hospital. The data were collected between April 2021 and May 2021 via an in-depth individual interview form. The COREQ checklist was followed in the study. RESULTS: As a result of the interviews, we identified four main themes the impacts of COVID-19 on life, the impact of COVID-19 on cancer treatment, the biggest fear during the COVID-19 pandemic and the metaphors of struggling with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: The disruption of treatment services during the COVID-19 pandemic and women's fear of infection by the virus led to delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This situation caused the women's state of health to deteriorate, and the resultant regret and sadness that they experienced had an adverse effect on their mental health. Furthermore, women's self-isolation due to the fear of infection by the virus had a negative effect on their psychosocial health. Telehealth services should be provided for cancer patients to obtain accurate information and to easily access information about treatment processes during the pandemic, and telepsychological hotlines and peer support groups should be established to improve the psychosocial health of patients.