The Mental Health Burden of Patients with Colorectal Cancer Receiving Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of the PICO-SM Study

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented changes to the lives of patients with cancer. To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of patients with colorectal cancer, we conducted a prospective longitudinal questionnaire study at a UK tertiary cancer centre. In total, 216 participants were included: mean age 65 years, 57% (n = 122) male, 92% (n = 198) of white ethnicity. Amongst participants who completed the screening psychometric questionnaire, 24% (n = 48/203) reported anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 5), 15% (n = 31/204) depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10), 3% (n = 5/190) probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PC-PTSD-5 ≥ 4), and 31% (n = 66/213) poor well-being (WHO-5 < 50). In the subgroup (n = 95/216, 44%) who consented to and completed a follow-up survey 6 months later, there was a significant increase in the number of participants at risk of depression (4% vs. 13%, p = 0.021). Self-reported concern about the COVID-19 pandemic impacting one’s mental health is associated with increased likelihood of anxiety, depression, and poor well-being, in respective multivariate analyses. In conclusion, screening for the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to ensure timely action from all key stakeholders and to avoid potentially longer-term detrimental consequences.

The Wellbeing Thermometer in cancer patients: a validation study

“…Data for these analyses were obtained from two independent cohorts of cancer patients attending a large comprehensive cancer centre in Northwest England (The Christie National Health Service [NHS] Foundation Trust). Patients came from 'Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Solid Malignancies: A Single Institution Study (PICO-SM)', a prospective longitudinal study designed to investigate the mental health burden of patients with cancer [5]. Details of this study have been published previously [5].…”

“…Patients came from 'Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Solid Malignancies: A Single Institution Study (PICO-SM)', a prospective longitudinal study designed to investigate the mental health burden of patients with cancer [5]. Details of this study have been published previously [5]. In brief, consecutive patients were identi ed through clinic list review and recruited either between 7 th and 28 th April 2021 (Cohort 1, Timepoint 1) or between 6 th December 2021 and 16 th February 2022 (Cohort 2, Timepoint 1).…”