Experiences of diagnostic pathways and cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 led to the disruption of cancer care services in the UK, including a major decrease in urgent cancer referrals and treatment attendance and delivery. This will undoubtedly have significant implications for cancer outcomes and patients’ psychosocial wellbeing.

METHOD: Using a qualitative methodology, this study will explore patient, caregiver and health care professionals’ experiences of cancer diagnosis, care and treatment during the onset of the pandemic.

BENEFIT: Understanding experiences of the cancer pathway at the start of COVID-19 will be key to improving care for immediate and future pandemics, and to maintaining existing gains around early diagnosis and survival.