WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Life during the COVID pandemic is filling us with uncertainty and fear.  If you or a family member are diagnosed with Cancer or are a Cancer survivor, you likely have even more questions during this time. Today we address some common questions that you may have:

Am I at an increased risk of contracting COVID19  if I have Cancer?

Anyone that is exposed to the COVID19 virus has an increased risk of contracting the virus.  Having cancer does not increase your risk of contracting the virus, however it does typically increase the risk of experiencing a serious illness if COVID is contracted. There is also a possibility that immunocompromised (which often includes cancer patients) patients are infected with the virus for a longer period of time.  Each day, we learn more about the virus.  The CDC website  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/  is a great website for updated information.

Am I less likely to survive through COVID19 if I contract it?

Patients with Cancer are considered to be higher-risk of becoming severely ill if they are infected with COVID.  This is because a cancer patient’s immune system is often weakened by cancer or cancer treatment, such as immunotherapy.  Of course, each and every patient is different.  If you had cancer treatment in the past, you may have a normal immune system now.  If you are unsure about what precautions you should take, it is a great idea to contact your oncologist to obtain his or her recommendations.   

What about my family members?

Family members, especially ones living with you, should take extra precautions against contracting COVID, to help avoid spreading the virus to a cancer patient. 

What can I do if I am having difficulty gaining access to proper Cancer Care during this COVID Pandemic?

TImely cancer care is essential to support appropriate quality of life and help provide the best possible treatment outcomes.  If you are having difficulty gaining appropriate access to care,  we can help.  Pathway Patient Advocates specialize in cancer navigation. We can assist with navigating all aspects of your cancer diagnosis.  Call or email us anytime.  https://pathwaypa.com/contact/