Why cancer patients need extra care

1. Are cancer patients at a higher risk of developing the coronavirus?

Any patient who is undergoing cancer treatment is at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus. Cancer and its treatments weaken a person’s immune systems.  While individual bodies react differently, immune systems are likely to fully recover years after patients complete treatment.

2. As a cancer patient, what can I do to reduce my risk of developing the coronavirus?

Everyone who has had their immunity compromised as a result of either diseases or treatment should strictly adhere to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization to reduce your risk. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Practice social distancing – staying six feet away from others and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

3. What else do cancer patients need to know about the coronavirus?

Any person whose immune system is suppressed or eliminated due to disease and treatment is at higher risk of contracting diseases. Therefore, as doctors and health officials advise, the best way to prevent illnesses is to avoid being exposed to this virus. This is especially important for cancer patients because they are at higher risk for serious illness, if they get infected; particularly patients who are in active treatment such as chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant patients.

4. How do I deal with the stress as a result of this Covid-19 situation?

These are stressful times and health concerns as a result of COVID-19 are on the increase.  All cancer patients should strive to keep stress at bay by eating healthy and exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, doing enjoyable stuff and opening up to loved ones. Taking breaks from news and social media can also help.