Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Complex Cancer Survivors

Patients with cancer and multiple chronic conditions (complex cancer survivors) are vulnerable to the negative impacts of COVID-19. However, their experiences and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been extensively studied. A mixed-methods design was used to assess coping strategies and protective responses taken to minimize COVID-19 infection. Participants were drawn from a cohort of complex cancer survivors from a pragmatic clinical trial. Participants reported high adherence to recommended protective behaviors, and risk was assessed based on comorbidities, not cancer status. Most did not experience significant disruptions in cancer-related or primary health care but experienced pandemic-related emotional stressors. Participants managed the impact of the pandemic using spirituality, support from social networks, and coping lessons from their cancer experience.

AT A GLANCE

• Spirituality, family, and previous illness coping strategies can help complex cancer survivors navigate the negative impacts of a pandemic. 
• Cancer care can be improved by assessing the presence of factors that bolster coping. 
• Interventions that draw on survivors’ cancer experience, spirituality, and social networks can augment coping during emotional stressors like experiencing a pandemic.