Make Self-help Psychoeducational Programs for Breast Cancer Patients COVID-19 Proof

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has significant consequences for the many self-help psychoeducational programs for patients with cancer (symptoms), especially in Low-Middle-Income Countries. We recommend several measures to adapt these programs to the COVID-19 era, such as the use of mobile versions, the addition of preventive measures to be taken by health care providers and patients concerning a hospital visit and the inclusion of psychological advice for coping with COVID-19 related stress. In this way, the double task of preventing the (progression of the) target disease and a contamination by COVID-19 might be optimally fulfilled.

Review on the Oncology Practice in the Midst of COVID-19 Crisis: The Challenges and Solutions

“…by phone or video calls with family members, psychological support with health care providers, etc.) (Garutti et al, 2020;Passchier et al, 2020); (2) apply telemedicine to decrease patients' concern over the quarantine (or lockdown) situation regarding the treatment toxicities, follow up evaluation, along with others; (3) give reassurance to the patients to relieve their negative thoughts (e.g. misplaced worries over negative effect of cancer treatment on COVID-19 mortality) and to encourage treatment compliance (Garutti et al, 2020; Lee et al, 2020); (4) patients using telephone calls or video applications.…”