Poster Presentation Cancer Survivorship Conference 2023

Has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted provision of information about Cancer Council supportive care services to people affected by cancer?   (#143)

Annie Miller 1 , Monica Gendi 1 , Rhiannon Edge 1 , Haryana M Dhillon 2 , Carolyn Mazariego 3 , Pareoranga Luiten-Apirana 1 , Sean Stolp 1
  1. Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, NSW, Australia
  2. University of Sydney, Sydney
  3. The Daffodil Centre, a joint venture between Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney, Sydney

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions and delays in care. Whilst there was high satisfaction with the use of telehealth during the pandemic, gaps were identified in provision of psychosocial support. We explored the impact of COVID 19 disruptions on the provision of supportive care information and resources to people affected by cancer.

Method: A cross-sectional survey of NSW adults with a current or past cancer diagnosis was conducted. Participants were recruited via online advertising, social media, and direct emails. Data was collected via an online survey. Descriptive analyses were performed and responses from those diagnosed pre-pandemic compared with diagnosis during the pandemic.

Results: 447 people participated (n=179 current cancer diagnosis; n=268 previous cancer diagnosis; mean age 61.6 years, 71% female). Participants were asked if a healthcare professional told them about the relevant Guide to Best Cancer Care (32% yes), Cancer Council Understanding Cancer booklets (48% yes), or Cancer Council Information and Support Line (28% yes) at diagnosis. Almost 70% reported being aware of Cancer Council services, with awareness significantly higher among people diagnosed before 2020 (χ2(1) = 15.63, p < .001). There were no significant age or gender differences in awareness of services. 

Discussion: Cancer Council service awareness appears reasonably high, but a proportion of people diagnosed with cancer are not provided with key resources by their healthcare teams at diagnosis. Awareness of Cancer Council services was significantly higher among people diagnosed before 2020. Despite supportive care being integral to optimal cancer care, the challenges associated with providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic appear to have reduced healthcare professionals' capacity to inform patients about these resources and services.

Conclusion: Awareness of Cancer Council services and resources was higher amongst people diagnosed pre-pandemic. Greater efforts are required to ensure healthcare professionals share Cancer Council services and resources with patients.