COVID-19 and Cancer Resources from ACS
Common Questions About the Coronavirus Outbreak provided by the American Cancer Society.
The global pandemic of the coronavirus disease, called COVID-19, is having a serious impact on many people, including cancer patients, their families, and caregivers. As some states have begun to relax or lift stay-at-home orders and are allowing certain businesses to open again, health officials continue to stress the importance of staying home and social distancing (keeping at least 6 feet away from others), as well as wearing a face covering if you go out in public.
Cancer patients are among those at high risk of serious illness from an infection because their immune systems are often weakened by cancer and its treatments. Most people who were treated for cancer in the past (especially if it was years ago) are likely to have normal immune function, but each person is different. It's important that all cancer patients and survivors, whether currently in treatment or not, talk with a doctor who understands their situation and medical history.
It's also important that both patients and their caregivers take precautions to lower their risk of getting COVID-19. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has specific recommendations for people at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 infection.
While the news about this outbreak is changing daily, knowing some basic facts about what can and cannot be done to help protect you and others from getting sick can be very empowering.