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Cancer and COVID-19: What You Should Know About Increased Risk – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Apr 9th, 2020

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, one thing has been clear: People with a compromised immune system are at increased risk. And this population includes people dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

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Cancer specialist and Director of Breast Medical Oncology Halle Moore, MD, offers insights about the coronavirus and cancer, and recommendations for how you can stay safe.

A: There are three reasons cancer may raise yourrisk:

A: We dont know yet. Reports from China suggest that people with cancer had worse outcomes compared with the general population. But the information doesnt account for the different types of patients. It is possible they were older, smoked or had other factors that raised their risk for severe complications.

We believe people with active cancer, or those receiving immunosuppressive treatments, have the highest risk. Those who have undergone a bone marrow transplant may be at particularly high risk. Cancer survivors without evidence of active cancer and who arent receiving immune-suppressing treatments may have a lower risk.

A: In general, yes, but not always. Cough andshortness of breath are common symptoms of COVID-19 infection and would beexpected to be common in cancer patients with the infection as well. But peoplewith cancer may not develop the high fever due to immune-suppressingtreatments. So if a person has cancer and develops a cough and otherrespiratory symptoms, even without a fever, they should contact their provider.

A: They need to take the same precautions and beextra vigilant. Family members or anyone they are exposed to while isolating mustalso follow the precautions, which are:

A: It is vital for people who have cancer to prioritizehealthy habits, such as:

A:Patients need to discuss individual treatment plans with their provider. Thereare instances where treatments can be delayed, but if doctors deem a treatmentnecessary, then they will find ways to deliver it safely. Doctors and cancercenters are using innovative approaches, such as:

A: The uncertainty is one of the challenges weredealing with we dont know if this is going to last for weeks or months. Cancercenters are actively developing guidelines to ensure that we can safely delivertreatments. We wont withhold treatment from newly diagnosed patients who needit; our patients health and safety is our top priority.

Doctors will consider many factors, including the stage andtype of cancer (some are slow-growing), to determine the next steps of yourcare. Theyll also make adjustments they feel are safe. For example, yourdoctor may delay surgery and instead use a non-immunosuppressive treatment, orchoose an oral chemotherapy drug to limit your trips to the cancer center.

Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have. We wantyou to feel confident and safe in your care.

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Cancer and COVID-19: What You Should Know About Increased Risk - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

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