Anxiety trajectories among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose To describe trajectories of general and bodily vigilance anxiety among cancer survivors during COVID-19 and examine associated factors. Design Longitudinal survey study (May-December 2020). Sample Colorado-based cancer survivors (N = 147). Methods Latent class growth analyses were used to examine trajectories for two types of anxiety (general and body vigilance), and to evaluate associations with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), loneliness, and emotional approach coping. Findings Anxiety levels remained stable over time. Most participants were best characterized by the mild general anxiety and moderate bodily vigilance anxiety classes. FCR predicted both general and bodily vigilance anxiety class, and loneliness distinguished between mild and moderate bodily vigilance anxiety classes. Conclusions Current cancer survivors experienced mild general anxiety and moderate body vigilance anxiety during the early pandemic with no detectable improvement over time, and FCR consistently predicted anxiety outcomes. Implications for Psychosocial Providers These findings provide insight into the anxiety profiles of cancer survivors during COVID-19 and possible therapeutic targets.