Questions About Cancer and COVID-19 for Patients and Cancer Survivors

The constant news about the coronavirus can be worrying. People with cancer and their families might feel especially worried about the virus, as cancer and its treatment can lower your ability to fight infection.

Oncology societies and national authorities have been quick to issue guidelines on cancer care during the pandemic. Oncologists are accustomed to dealing with such complications, but the problem with COVID-19 is that there is no specific treatment. We can see some changes in treatment and cancer consultations with telephone and telehealth consultations, people receiving laboratory testing at facilities closer to their homes, and some evaluations being delayed.

We have made a list of some common questions that arise among cancer patients and cancer survivors during COVID-19 pandemic. This guide is just for information and educational purpose only, and shall not be considered as an alternative to consultation with your consultant cancer specialist doctor.

Q1: What it means to be ‘immune compromised’?

Immune compromised – means those individuals whose immune system is considered weaker or less robust than that of an average healthy adult. Individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of getting infections, including viral infections such as COVID-19.

Patients with cancer may be at greater risk of being immune compromised depending on the type of cancer they have.

Q2: Does a history of cancer raise your risk for health complications from COVID-19?

It appears that cancer patient or cancer survivor may be at higher risk of health complications from COVID-19, but cannot necessarily be generalized to all patients with cancer.

Q3: Does any history of radiation or chemotherapy raise the risk of getting infected by COVID-19?

To date, no evidence is available to suggest that any cancer treatments raise your risk for getting COVID-19. Those cancer patients who got infected is due to their weakened immune system.

Q4: Should cancer survivors follow the general public health recommendations issued by the health authorities?

Absolutely. Taking care of your health and steps taken to prevent infections make good sense at any time or in this outbreak.

Q5: If a cancer patient or cancer survivor feels some early symptoms such as fever or cough, should they contact their medical oncologist?

Yes, absolutely. Patients taking treatment should immediately contact their treating oncologist and make any arrangements as needed.

Q6: If a patient is about to start the cancer treatment, should they consider it postponing due to COVID-19?

Patients should talk to their consultant oncologist before deciding anything. There may be many different factors that may decide whether you should postpone or continue with the cancer treatment.

Q7: Is there anything I can do to improve my general health and my immune system?

Follow general guidelines your health authorities provide. Follow the health conditions maintaining tips and suggestions for a healthy lifestyle from your doctor. Follow a well-balanced diet and consume more fruits and vegetables. Most importantly maintain social distancing and follow personal hygiene.

Hopefully these common questions and answers will help you with what to do and what not to do with the ongoing pandemic. As said earlier, there are just suggestions for education purpose only. The final decision has to be made by your consulting doctor as the next step being a cancer patient or cancer survivor.