Covid-19, an unknown virus that changed the world, has changed the dynamics of cancer treatment and cancer patient management. Cancer specialists, researchers, and healthcare professionals dealing with cancer patients have already acknowledged the growing concern about the virus among cancer patients. But, several big questions remain.
Before we can delve deeper into one of the most asked questions by cancer patients, it is time to understand what Covid-19 is. So, here goes:
Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus; it was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Now, you must have come across a lot of information all at once, some of it untrue, and before the information storm bamboozles you, let's look at a few facts.
First, let's address the biggest concerns of cancer patients:
Are Cancer patients more vulnerable to the infection?
The best oncologists in Delhi NCR, India, and the world agree that SOME cancer patients, who are going through cancer treatments that make the immune system weak, like chemotherapy, can be at a higher risk of getting infected. Cancer itself doesn't make you vulnerable, the treatment might, that also only in some circumstances.
Is there a treatment for Covid-19?
Currently, there are no proven treatments or vaccines for Covid-19.
- Am I, a cancer survivor post cancer treatment, at a higher risk of getting infected by coronavirus?
If you’re a cancer survivor, you might have a weaker immune system compared to non-cancer survivors. So, if you need more guidance or information about the dos and don'ts of cancer survivors during this pandemic, you can always consult an experienced cancer specialist in Delhi, India, or in your place of residence like Dr. Manish Singhal.
Precautionary measures-Do they ensure 100% safety from the virus?
Chickenpox has a vaccine that saves millions of lives, yet, some people get chickenpox even today despite being vaccinated. Nothing is 100% guaranteed, but a 99.99% chance seems better than the odds, doesn't it? For Covid-19, the precautionary measures give a 99.99% guarantee.
It’s finally time to answer a FAQ baffling cancer patients worldwide. Which doctor should cancer patients go to if they are starting to show Covid-19 symptoms?
If you are a cancer patient experiencing fever, chills, cough, and respiratory issues similar to Covid-19, you can call your health care professional ahead so that they can take a thorough history of you and decide whether you should be tested.
You should go to or consult the doctor that you are frequently in contact with. If you are under cancer treatment, you should definitely seek the help of your cancer specialist first. He/she knows your history or is more informed about your general health, so he/she can make the best decision for you. For example, if you are a lung cancer patient, some of the symptoms might be because of your cancer and not because of any infection, and the only way to know for sure is to consult the best lung cancer doctor in Delhi NCR or anywhere in India.
However, if you're in remission or a cancer survivor who is no longer in regular contact with your oncologist, you can consult your general physician first. Whatever you do, listen to your doctor and don't make any unnecessary, hasty changes in your life.
End of discussion
An easy way to navigate the post-COVID-19 world for cancer patients is to listen to the Government and the doctors' recommendations. If it all seems vague or if it doesn't answer your question, you can always consult a cancer specialist who is experienced, and updated about the situation like Dr. Manish Singhal, considered to be the best oncologist in Delhi.
