Publications by authors named "Clarisse Defer"
Article Synopsis
- The study examines the experiences of women in Quebec diagnosed with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on their access to and effectiveness of psychosocial services.
- It found that only a minority received psychosocial support immediately after diagnosis, leading to dissatisfaction and distress for many who didn't have access to these resources.
- Participants provided recommendations for improving these services to better support women's mental well-being during their cancer journey.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the prioritization of breast cancer services towards patients who are currently in treatment or diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer, and the self-assessment of both tumor growth and treatment side effects. Alongside the stress associated with cancer itself, delays and complications due to COVID-19 may impact patients' mental health.
Purpose: To describe the experiences of Canadians living with breast cancer who received a diagnosis and/or treatment during the pandemic, and to identify their recommendations for improving patients well-being during future pandemics.