Coronavirus: What cancer patients need to know?

COVID-19 impact on cancer patients

The new coronavirus disease, called COVID-19, has created a major panic-stricken buzz in many people’s minds. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the spread of COVID-19 has reached the level of a pandemic. While the news about this outbreak is changing daily, even hourly, knowing some basic facts about what can and cannot be done to prevent getting sick can be very empowering. 

Why do Cancer Patients need to worry?

Cancer patients are generally immune-compromised and have lower immunity levels which makes them more vulnerable to severe infections. However, cancer patients who finished treatment a few years ago or longer have immune systems that have most likely recovered, but each person is different. 

Although there aren’t many guidelines available and research in this area is undergoing the current information suggests that cancer patients have a higher risk of infection and serious complications from COVID-19 than other patients. For patients without known COVID-19 infection, in most circumstances, it is likely more important to initiate or continue systemic cancer treatment than to delay or interrupt treatment due to concerns about potential COVID-19 infection. However, these decisions are individualised after considering the overall goals of treatment, the patient’s current oncologic status and treatment tolerance as well as their general medical condition.

Who else in your family might be at risk?

• Kids
• Elders
• Pregnant woman
• People suffering from chronic heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and other immune-compromised conditions

What symptoms to look for?

• FeverTiredness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dry cough
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Aches and pains
• Pneumonia
• Diarrhoea
• Kidney Failure

The virus is contagious in nature spreads mainly from person-to-person thus it is extremely crucial for the caregivers and family members of the patients too to protect themselves. It is recommended that all patients, survivors and family if they face even any mild symptoms take necessary precautions.

When to get tested?

You are not required to get tested if you do not have any symptoms. However, it is needed if you have any symptoms or have travelled to any COVID-19 affected countries such as China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, France, Italy, Germany and UAE, or you have come in contact with someone who is a laboratory-confirmed positive case.

Here is some Dos and Don’ts advisory for all to follow and stay healthy.

DOs

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds because it’s one of the best ways to kill germs on your hands and prevent the spread of germs to others. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or sneeze into your elbow.
• Confine yourself in one room. And disinfect the room completely.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Have only one dedicated family member to take care of you.
• Isolate yourself from anyone even if they are a family member who seems to have developed the symptoms and self-quarantine for at least 14 days.
• Take adequate sleep and rest.
• Drink plenty of water/liquids and nutritious food.
• Consult your doctor over a phone call or message, if you are not on active treatment, whether your routine checkup can be postponed or taken care through telemedicine.
• Confirm with your doctor about the medication if you are already on anti-inflammatory drugs for any other ongoing treatment conditions.

DON’Ts

• Don't touch your eyes, nose, and mouth because if you picked up the virus, you could infect yourself by allowing the virus to enter your body. 
• Don't come in close contact (being within 6 feet) from people who are sick, especially those who are coughing or sneezing.
• Don't shake hands and go to places with large crowds. 
• Avoid non-essential travel and using public transport.
• Don't take self-medication without consulting a doctor.
• Don't dispose of used napkins or tissue papers in open areas. (Throw in closed dustbin only)
• Don't touch railings, door handles usually exposed to the public.
• Don't consume frozen meats/foods.

The COVID-19 outbreak is still new, so doctors do not have a lot of specific information on this coronavirus for cancer patients. But we do have a lot of information regarding the risk of infections in general that can be beneficial for cancer patients. And once you are done reading this article do not forget to wash your hands and share the information with others.