Intersecting challenges: Cancer caregivers' experiences during COVID-19
Charlotte R Weiss1,2, Rachel Johnson-Koenke2, Karen B Hirschman1
1School of Nursing, NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Palliative Care and Social Practice
|June 16, 2025
Summary
Cancer caregivers faced significant challenges during COVID-19, including healthcare advocacy, financial strain, and isolation. Addressing these needs requires family-centered care strategies and policy changes for pandemic preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic created numerous challenges and unmet needs for cancer family caregivers and their care recipients.
- The pandemic's societal and institutional impacts on cancer caregiving remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the societal and institutional contexts of cancer family caregiving during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
- To analyze caregiver narratives to understand their experiences with advanced cancer care during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a qualitative study using narrative inquiry.
- Narrative thematic analysis applied to five cancer caregiver narratives.
- Identification of COVID-19 related themes within caregiver stories.
Main Results:
- Key themes included: advocating for quality healthcare, protecting loved ones from the virus, navigating medical/institutional disregard, financial strain, lack of social support, and the "long goodbye."
- COVID-19 significantly intersected with cancer care, impacting caregiver experiences and well-being.
- Caregiver narratives highlighted tensions related to healthcare access, safety, and emotional support.
Conclusions:
- Family-centered care strategies are essential to support cancer caregivers during pandemics.
- Policy changes are needed to address the complex needs of cancer caregivers in crisis situations.
- Enhanced support systems are crucial for caregivers facing the intersection of cancer and public health emergencies.
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