Depression, Anxiety, & Loneliness Among Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Purpose: Although studies have evaluated the mental health impacts in those recently diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic, few studies focused on cancer survivors who are past their primary cancer treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression, anxiety, and loneliness between those with and without a history of cancer.Methods: Kaiser Permanente Research Bank participants were invited to complete a series of surveys from May to December 2020. The difference in score of depression, anxiety, and loneliness were estimated using linear mixed regression. All models adjusted for age group, sex, race/ethnicity, Kaiser Permanente region, smoking status, and Charlson comorbidity score.Results: Among cancer survivors, 21% and 19% met the thresholds for increased risk of depression and anxiety. Among those without a history of cancer, 24% met the thresholds for increased risk of depression and anxiety. Both groups reported decreases in mean depression, anxiety, and loneliness scores between May and July 2020, however, scores increased from August to December 2020. Cancer survivors had decreased depression, anxiety, and loneliness scores compared to those without a history of cancer. Among cancer survivors, younger age groups and females reported increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness scores, while non-Hispanic Black and Asian participants reported decreased depression, anxiety, and loneliness scores.Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the continued necessity of addressing mental health needs and social support in cancer survivors, especially those who are younger and female, during and after a public health emergency.