All over the world, the subject that has been taking the front pages of magazines, newspapers and portals is the new coronavirus. The new virus is already affecting countries on all continents, causing the WHO to declare the disease a pandemic.

Although the death rate is not considered high, the numbers of fatalities have increased considerably in recent days due to the growth of the contagion. Therefore, it is necessary to be as careful as possible. 

Besides the easy proliferation of the virus, there is another extremely important point that has been reaffirmed all the time: the risk groups. Besides the elderly, cancer patients need to take extra care due to low immunity often caused by treatment against the disease.

We have separated some care that must be taken by cancer patients during quarantine. Read on:

Contamination

Even being classified in one or more risk groups, the form of contamination and the probability of contracting the disease are the same, according to Luis Fernando Aranha Camargo, infectologist at Albert Einstein Hospital and the Federal University of São Paulo. 

The big problem is what impact the virus can have on these people and the gravity of the symptoms developed by those who are already in poor health. According to the WHO, the mortality rate in cancer patients reaches 5.6%, more than double the general average, which is 2.3%. 

The guidelines to avoid contamination are the same for all, following the protocols oriented by the World Health Organization itself. Hand hygiene, covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with forearms are essential measures. Furthermore, social isolation has been adopted worldwide as a way to prevent the virus from spreading. 

For patients undergoing cancer treatment and their families, it is of utmost importance that this care is further reinforced.

Patients in treatment and already cured

Also according to the infectologist, patients who have already undergone treatment and are cured of cancer generally present immunological pictures similar to people who never had the disease, so there is not necessarily a more serious risk.

It is important, however, to follow the social isolation and hygiene guidelines and keep an eye on the symptoms, since the situation may vary from case to case. Patients under treatment may be more susceptible to the most severe form of the risk, so prevention measures should be redoubled. 

According to André Murad, oncologist and post-doctorate in genetics, the increase in the chances of contracting the most aggressive form of the virus is due to both the disease itself and the treatment. 

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy act by attacking both cancer cells and defence cells, which makes the immune system weaker and reduces the body's fighting strength against infection. 

Recommendations

At the present moment, the recommendations are valid for all, whether they are at risk or not. Avoiding visits to the emergency room without imminent need and mainly following hygiene guidelines for the patient and the people with whom he will have contact is fundamental.

Contrary to what some patients may think, the paralysis of chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment is not recommended to strengthen the body in the fight against the coronavirus. According to oncologist Leandro Ramos, the interruption of treatment should only be done if the medical specialist verifies the real need for suspension. 

With interrupted treatment, there is a high chance of the cancer returning, while the coronavirus can be fought more intensively even during treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 

COVID-19 is affecting the whole world and the lives of billions of people. The guidelines should be followed by everyone, especially people who fall into risk groups. The fight against cancer is already, in itself, a battle for the patient, family and friends, and redoubled care must be taken to prevent the condition from worsening at times like this. 

Check out our blog and learn more about our project in the fight against breast cancer.

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