Cancer patients and their families are concerned about how
the COVID-19 virus could affect them. Here are frequently asked
questions along with answers about COVID-19 for cancer or immunosuppressed
patients.
Who's at highest risk
for complications associated with COVID-19?
· People age 60 and older
· People with health conditions like
o lung disease
o heart disease
o diabetes
o chronic kidney disease
o cancer
· People receiving chemotherapy for cancer or other diseases
· People receiving medications that purposefully suppress their immune system — for example, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
Are some cancers and
treatments more high-risk than others?
People who’ve had a bone marrow transplant and are on immune
suppressive medication are highest risk. Blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma,
and multiple myeloma also pose a high risk for COVID-19 complications. However,
all people receiving cancer treatment and those around them should follow these
safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control:
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
· Use hand sanitizer with 60% or more alcohol if soap and water aren’t available. Wash with soap and water and soon as possible.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
· Clean and disinfect surfaces often. Regular household wipes and sprays will kill the virus.
· Maintain social distancing (6 feet).
o Avoid physical contact like handshakes and hugging.
o Avoid people who are coughing or sneezing.
· Manage stress by getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy, and staying active.
Should I stop my
cancer treatment?
Unless your medical oncologist or radiation oncologist tells
you otherwise, it’s not necessary for you to stop your cancer treatment. In
fact, stopping cancer treatment could be more harmful to your health than the
risk of being exposed to COVID-19. You should continue taking oral
chemotherapy, steroids, and support medications as prescribed. If you have
specific circumstances or concerns, be sure to discuss them with your oncology
team.
What should I do if I
develop a fever?
Please contact your oncology office for direction.
What should I do if
I'm told to come into the clinic for evaluation of side-effects like a fever?
1. Call the clinic when you arrive in the parking lot.
2. You and one escort will be given a mask and guided to a private room for further evaluation.
How do I protect
myself and others when I come into the hospital or clinic?
· Use the hand sanitation stations at hospital and clinic entrances.
· If you aren’t feeling well, please call for specific instructions request a mask. Be aware that mask supplies are limited.
· Only bring one person with you.
· Persons under the age of 18 should not come into clinic unless they’re being treated.
· If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue, put it in the garbage, and wash your hands right away. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your nose and mouth with the crease of your elbow.
What are some ways I
can manage stress and anxiety?
· Limit how much news you consume and limit to reputable sources.
· Focus on what you can control.
· Use the time to develop deeper connections with others.
