Published in:
01-04-2022 | Coronavirus
Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes and the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a survey conducted in patients enrolled in a dedicated registry
Authors:
Stefano Signoroni, Chiara Maura Ciniselli, Guglielmo Niccolò Piozzi, Maria Teresa Ricci, Marta Pastori, Paolo Merola, Marco Bellazzi, Tatiana Smaldone, Giuseppe Rosito, Claudia Borreani, Paolo Verderio, Giovanni Apolone, Marco Vitellaro
Published in:
Quality of Life Research
|
Issue 4/2022
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Abstract
Purpose
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had profound consequences also for non-infected patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the quality of life of a population with hereditary gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes and on the surveillance/oncological care program of patients enrolled in a dedicated registry.
Methods
The study was conducted by means of an online self-report survey during the first Italian national lockdown. The survey comprised four sections: demographics; perception/knowledge of COVID-19; impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surveillance and cancer care; health status (SF-12 questionnaire).
Results
211 complete questionnaires were considered. 25.12% of respondents reported being not at all frightened by COVID-19, 63.98% felt “not at all” or “a little” more fragile than the healthy general population, and 66.82% felt the coronavirus to be no more dangerous to them than the healthy general population. 88.15% of respondents felt protected knowing they were monitored by a team of dedicated professionals.
Conclusion
Patients with hereditary gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes reported experiencing less fear related to COVID-19 than the healthy general population. The study results suggest that being enrolled in a dedicated registry can reassure patients, especially during health crises.