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Effects of COVID-19 pandemic and their lockdown on psychological problems of cancer patients: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affects the mental health of the general popu-lation, especially cancer patients. Cancer patients due to lower immunity encountered an increasing risk of severe CO-VID-19 infection. This mechanism results in high stress, anxiety, depression and social isolation that increases the risk of develop mental disorders. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from 1st December 2019 to 1st December 2020 based on PRISMA guidelines. Articles were selected based on the predetermined eligibility criteria. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: From 553 studies, 14 articles were included in the review. Stress, anxiety, depression, and mental distress were more common psychological problems in cancer patients during the pandemic in the UK, USA, China, Poland, Malaysia, India, Turkey, and Italy. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, the most important predictors of developing mental health problems in cancer patients were female gender, social distancing, cancer stage, overall perceived health, delays in care, and other health problems. Because of the relationship between mental health and strong immune system, countries must take steps to help the mental health of cancer patients during the pandemic.