Questions you should ask your Oncologist about COVID-19 with the state opening up

I think it’s safe to say that we are all happy to see our state open up little by little as time goes on. But what does this mean for a cancer patient?

People with cancer diagnoses are at a higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 (otherwise known as Coronavirus) even if they are following the CDC guidelines. Along with using the best practices from the CDC and your local Government or Health Department, it’s important to talk to your Oncologist to take extra precautions and develop a plan that fits your health needs. 

Here are some questions to get you started from the American Cancer Society: 

For People with Cancer –

• What are extra precautions I can take to prevent COVID?

• Am I at higher risk of getting COIVD? Why?

• What should I do if I have symptoms?

• Should I start virtual visits, or can I still do in-person visits?

For People Beginning their Cancer Treatment –

• Will this treatment put me at higher risk? Why?

• Is it safe to wait to begin my cancer treatment?

• Is there a chance you will cancel my cancer treatments?

• Can I go to work or visit family or friends?

• What precautions should I take after starting treatment?

For People who are Currently in Treatment –

• If I get sick with COVID, how will my treatment be affected?

• Should I take any extra precautions while at home?

• Is running errands safe?

• Will I need to be seen more frequently now?

• What happens if I miss a treatment?

For People who have Finished Treatment –

• Am I still at a higher risk for getting COIVD even out of treatment?

• If I get sick with COVID can that affect the outlook of my cancer prognosis?

• Can I wait to come in for follow-up tests?

• Will this outbreak delay test results?

Hope and Healing Cancer Services prides itself on being a patient-first healthcare clinic. That being said, there are Telehealth options for new and current patients. We also ask that you come alone to your appointments and if you have flu-like symptoms or are feeling sick you call the office ahead of time to reschedule your appointment. 

At the end of the day, your Oncologist and Care Team are one of your best resources when it comes to protecting yourself based on your specific care plan as the state re-opens. The above list of questions is just a starting point to use when wanting to begin this discussion with your Oncologist or other Care Team members.

View the full list of questions from the American Cancer Society here.

Written By: Carolyn Reece

Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD