Cancer and Covid-19?This is what you should do

Suman S. Karans

New Delhi – Faced with an unprecedented exponential tsunami positive for Covid-19, the healthcare system is approaching collapse. Mortality from infection is primarily due to serious lung injuries that cause respiratory failure. With many hospitals around the world now facing oxygen deficiencies, the country is facing a national emergency and most of the hospital’s resources are dedicated to Covid-19 care only.

As a result, most non-Covid-19 emergencies, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and cancer treatment, are postponed in most places. Many life-saving surgeries have been forced to postpone.

Over the past year, cancer treatment has been hit hard by restricted travel and the inability of patients to seek scheduled treatment. In addition, there were delays in regular follow-up, postponement of scheduled surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, availability of palliative care facilities, and lack of cancer screening programs.

Due to the risk of infection with Covid-19, there is also a general fear of reporting to the hospital among patients, which also contributes to further delays in treatment. As a result, more cancer patients are in the advanced stage. Another pressing problem for cancer patients is weakened immunity due to active malignancies and ongoing chemotherapy that makes them more susceptible to Covid-19 infection.

Below are some common facts about cancer treatment during a pandemic.

Is it necessary to postpone cancer treatment due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the hospital?

It depends on the stage of your illness, treatment should be personalized on a case-by-case basis.

* If you are in the early stages of cancer, topical treatments such as surgery and radiation may be slightly delayed, depending on the general condition and the risks and benefits based on the effects of these treatments on you.

* If you are planning chemotherapy, discuss with your oncologist the option to increase the duration between cycles and to administer chemotherapy at home using a Baxter pump. As far as possible.

* If you are receiving palliative care, you can discuss “drug holidays” (temporarily discontinue treatment if possible) and home care options.

Do I need to get the Covid-19 vaccine while suffering from cancer and receiving chemotherapy?

There are no safety trials of the Covid-19 vaccine in cancer patients, but vaccination is recommended as it has proven safe for other serious illnesses. If you have recently received chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant, it is advisable to wait until your immunity improves.

What can be done to reduce hospital exposure and hospital visits?

Remote consultation services available when it is a regular follow-up with your doctor. If you need to go to the hospital for a physical or imaging test, schedule an advance appointment with your doctor to avoid waiting at the hospital. Wear a properly fitted mask and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from others.

What if I have a fever or difficulty breathing?

Immediately report to an emergency and have your vitals (pulse, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation) checked. The first to rule out is Covid-19 infection. Other common causes such as low white blood cell counts, other bacterial / viral infections, or pneumonia / fluid in the lungs due to other causes should also be evaluated.

How do you deal with the stress of these difficult times?

Cancer treatment itself is very stressful and patients are now facing additional fear of Covid-19. During these stressful times, you can practice deep breathing, gentle yoga, meditation and, of course, seek help from a professional health care counselor. (IANS)