Cancer Recovery Narratives Pre and Peri Covid: A Mixed Methods Comparative Analysis

This study is the first of its kind to compare narratives from cancer survivors collected at the end of treatment both before the COVID-19 pandemic began (2017-2019) and three years following (2023-2024). Data was collected through short narrative care interviews, designed to provide a supportive way for cancer survivors to process the experience of treatment and recovery, and find ways to effectively move forward in life. Preliminary quantitative findings indicate the potential effectiveness and acceptability of the narrative interview for supporting individuals at the end of cancer treatment, with notable increases in self-reported social well-being. Emergent qualitative thematic differences include frequent reports of medical delays and experiences of loneliness during treatment in the peri-COVID cohort, as well as indications that this group was more inclined to advocate for their healthcare needs, express skepticism toward the medical system, and speak more positively about interpersonal support from loved ones than the pre-COVID cohort.