Feb 1, 2022
This episode features Dr Eloise Radcliffe (University of
Southampton, Southampton, UK) and Aysha Khan (The Christie NHS
Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK)
People living with cancer that is treatable but not curable have
complex needs, often managing their health and wellbeing at home,
supported by those close to them. People living with cancer that is
treatable but not curable often wish to maintain independence,
normality and control over their lives.
Patients living with cancer that is treatable but not curable and
their carers experienced heightened uncertainty and a sense of lost
opportunities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While changes
to treatment led to some concern about the longer-term impact
on their health, most patients reported feeling well-supported by
healthcare teams. Findings have wider resonance for people living
with other life-limiting conditions.
It is important that the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on patients and carers is recognised by those who
commission and deliver cancer care. The health and wellbeing of
carers needs to be acknowledged and further efforts made to
include them in clinical consultations.