Coronavirus: Specialist Says Do And Don't For Patients With Cancer

Coronavirus: Low immunity, malignancy and frequent treatments in hospitals make cancer patients more vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. Oncologist Dr Santanu Chaudhri shares several significant do's and don'ts that patients with cancer need to follow.

Cancer patients of any age group are at a greater risk of complications with COVID-19. This can be due to poor immunity, malignancy and repeated care visits at hospitals.

Patients with cancer must undergo care unless they are in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or present with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, trouble breathing or high temperature. Oncologists should agree to delay, discontinue or change the radiation therapy accordingly.

Do's for patients with cancer (in general)

1. Cancer patients and carers will regularly wash their hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand rubbing often. Wash hands especially after coughing, sneezing or touching objects such as door handles that are also likely to be affected by others.
2. They will cover the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow. Immediately dispose of the used tissue in a closed tub, and wash hands with soap and water or using hand rubbing based on alcohol.
3. Clean the floor and regularly handled items at home at least once a day. Patients with cancer should live in separate rooms at home. Caregivers should keep proper personal hygiene, such as washing hands, using mask before approaching the patient.

Coronavirus: Don'ts (in general) for cancer patients

1. Do not touch any items or faces (especially eyes, nose and mouth) after coughing or sneezing. 
2. Do not allow yourself and the patient to come in close contact with someone who has symptoms such as cold, fever or flu.
3. Do not exchange items among others, such as newspapers, magazines, hospital archives, radiotherapy cards, etc. Caregivers do not congest the cancer care centers.
4. Do not specifically avoid crowded locations. Do not spread rumors in any sort that could impede smooth cancer treatments.