Anxiety caused by new coronavirus (Covid-19) in breast cancer patients during the coronavirus pandemic

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Anxiety can weaken the body's immune system and make them vulnerable to the diseases such as coronavirus disease. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the level of anxiety caused by the new coronavirus (Covid-19) in patients with breast cancer during the coronavirus pandemic.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 on 102 breast cancer patients in Jahrom. Data collection tools were Demographic Information Questionnaire and Coronavirus Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS). Scoring range in this study was 0-54. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 21) and statistical tests of t-test and ANOVA or its non-parametric equivalent. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean score of anxiety caused by Covid-19 virus 19 in patients with breast cancer was 22.44±16.61, which is lower than average level. Among the components of anxiety, the mean score of psychological symptoms (36.81±24.38) in patients with breast cancer was higher than physical symptoms (12.76±11.73). No significant relationship was observed between other demographic variables and anxiety caused by Coronavirus 19 (P>0.05).

The results of the present study showed that the level of anxiety in women with breast cancer in Jahrom is lower than average level.