Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to the prioritization of breast cancer services towards patients who are currently in treatment or diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer, and the self-assessment of both tumor growth and treatment side effects. Alongside the stress associated with cancer itself, delays and complications due to COVID-19 may impact patients’ mental health. Purpose To describe the experiences of Canadians living with breast cancer who received a diagnosis and/or treatment during the pandemic, and to identify their recommendations for improving patients well-being during future pandemics. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen women living with breast cancer who also completed the Distress Thermometer questionnaire. The transcripts were analyzed using a descriptive thematic content methodology. Results Women who started their breast cancer screening or treatment before the pandemic reported fewer delays and less psychological distress than those who started during the pandemic. Participants reported feeling dehumanized while receiving their medical care, being unable to be accompanied during medical visits, and fearing treatment interruption during the pandemic. Patient recommendations for improving care and psychological support included the presence of family caregivers at consultations to receive the diagnosis and for the first treatment session. Conclusion Study findings provide new insights on how healthcare restrictions during the pandemic impacted on patient experiences and their well-being during screening and treatment for breast cancer. The need for cancer nursing practices and care delivery strategies that promote the delivery of compassionate, patient-centred care and the provision of psychological support during future pandemics are identified.

Face au cancer et à la fin de vie, la détresse émotionnelle est courante et de mieux en mieux repérée, résultant en de nombreuses demandes de consultation vers nos services psychologiques spécialisés. Les auteures présentent une réflexion sur les différents facteurs qui guident leurs choix d’interventions auprès de la clientèle en oncologie et soins palliatifs rencontrée en contexte hospitalier, le défi étant d’offrir le bon soin au moment opportun à tous les patients en besoin et leurs proches. Le plan de traitement sera adapté selon la sévérité et la nature de la détresse, la nécessité d’intervenir rapidement, la préférence du patient, ses facteurs de vulnérabilité et de protection, tout en conservant à l’esprit que notre mandat de psychologue est circonscrit à l’oncologie et aux soins palliatifs. Cet article illustre que pouvoir recourir à une approche intégrative est précieux pour mieux répondre à la diversité des demandes reçues dans un contexte de temps et de ressources limités.