Bagheri Sheykhangafshe F. Mental Health and Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ijbd 2021; 14 (2) :76-80
URL:
http://ijbd.ir/article-1-897-en.html
PhD Candidate in Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran , farzinbagheri73@gmail.com
Abstract: (3437 Views)
COVID-19 first broke out on December 17, 2019, in Wuhan, China, and was declared a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020, according to the World Health Organization. Studies have shown that the incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 is affected by age and specific diseases. Breast cancer patients may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 because of having a weakened immune system.
In addition, COVID-19 has led to delays in the early diagnosis and chemotherapy of cancer patients. These interruptions would affect the outcome of treatment and also cause psychological problems. In general, cancer patients are at higher risk for psychological problems than the healthy population. The diagnosis and treatment of cancer can reduce the mental health of patients and their symptoms of depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to the closure of many medical and psychological centers and their online operations. This puts a lot of stress on cancer patients, especially women with breast cancer. Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer, the most common cancer in women, is very painful and difficult and has long-term effects on the mental health and quality of life of these patients.
In Iran, many women with breast cancer experienced many problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Type of Study:
Letter to Editor |
Received: 2021/06/15 | Accepted: 2021/07/11 | Published: 2021/08/1