Availability of medical care and social support from the perspective of women with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

AimThis article describes the situation of women with breast cancer during the pandemic. The study assessed the accessibility of oncological care, experienced stress, and use of social support.Subject and methodsThe study involved 158 women with breast cancer who lived in Poland. Purposive sampling was used. The research method was a diagnostic poll, and the research tool was a survey questionnaire designed by the authors of this study.ResultsThe results showed that the pandemic was an additional aggravating factor for the participants, was associated with difficulties accessing medical care, and generated anxiety related to potential hospitalization and the resulting limited contact with loved ones. All participants were concerned that they might be unable to continue treatment. Family situation did not affect the level of stress, but was associated with seeking social support. Participants living alone sought support outside their families more often. The use of psychological care differed depending on place of residence: participants living in large cities used it more often than participants living in medium-sized and small cities and villages.ConclusionBreast cancer is a highly aggravating factor that was further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.