Virus Fear Keeps Cancer Patients From Doctors
A new survey shows that an increasing number of cancer patients have refrained from going to see doctors amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But it also shows that some were able to cope with anxiety with better information.
The questionnaire-style survey was conducted with cancer patients who are not hospitalized.
The result shows that 20 percent of the respondents said that they had either cancelled or postponed doctor's appointments.
Another 10 percent said that they experienced worrisome changes in their condition but did not visit a doctor.
As many as 71 percent of them said that they felt uneasy that cancer treatment may have weakened their immune system so that they have higher risk of developing serious symptoms if they are infected with the coronavirus.
On the other hand, 30 percent said that they could resolve such anxiety by collecting precise information themselves, or by receiving an explanation from a doctor.
The survey company says that there are varying levels of risk among patients, and that detailed information suitable for each of them is needed.
It hopes doctors will explain such potential risks to patients to mitigate their anxiety.
