Brain Tumour Patients and COVID-19

New Zealand brain tumour patients and carers were among almost 2,000 people worldwide to participate in a survey investigating how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them. The study has been published in the journal Neuro-Oncology Advances and Brain Tumour Support NZ trustee, Chris Tse, is a co-author. Chris is also a senior advisor to the International Brain Tumour Alliance, which conducted the study. Brain Tumour Support NZ was one of 120 brain tumour charities and not-for-profits which disseminated the survey to its members.

In total, 1989 participants from 33 countries completed the survey, consisting of 1459 patients and 530 carers. The study showed that COVID-19 caused increased levels of stress and anxiety among both patients and carers. The biggest fear was delayed appointments and treatment, including procedures such as MRI scans, caused by the pandemic. Interestingly, carers were significantly more anxious than patients concerning brain tumour management and the fear of contracting COVID-19.

The survey findings also showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, brain tumour patients relied even more on the information and support services provided by charities. The full paper is available free to download from the below link.