Coronavirus and cancer – latest updates


Illustration of COVID-19 coronavirus.

With the coronavirus outbreak developing daily, we want to make sure everyone affected by cancer gets the information they need during this time.

We’ll be monitoring the latest government and NHS health updates in both the UK and devolved nations and pulling together relevant information in this blog post. But for the most up to date guidance, please visit government and NHS websites. You can find a full list of links on our coronavirus information page.

We’d also recommend speaking to your cancer team if you have any questions or worries about coronavirus.

If you’re currently undergoing or about to start cancer treatment, it’s important to keep up to date with NHS guidance to limit the chances of exposure – especially if the virus becomes more prevalent. Your specialist might want to discuss the possibility of delaying treatment in some situations, if they felt the risks outweighed the benefits for you personally.

– Martin Ledwick, Cancer Research UK’s head information nurse.

18 March: Boris Johnson releases new advice for ‘vulnerable groups’

The UK Prime Ministers says the country is taking ‘drastic measures’ to help curb the coronavirus outbreak, including recommending that vulnerable groups avoid social contact for 12 weeks.

How can cancer affect the immune system?

Some types of cancer – like leukaemia and lymphoma – can lower your ability to fight infection by affecting your immune system.

Some cancer treatments can also weaken the immune system. Chemotherapy, for example, can stop the bone marrow making enough white blood cells, which are a vital part of the immune system. This effect is most prominent during treatment, but the effects can last for some time afterwards.

For more information visit our coronavirus and cancer page, which we’ll be updating with the latest advice.

17 March: ‘Vital cancer treatments will continue’

NHS Scotland has announced it will postpone non-urgent elective care as part of its ongoing coronavirus preparations. But “vital cancer treatments, emergency, maternity and urgent care” will continue.

Similar measures have been announced in Wales and England, with the commitment to continuing cancer treatments in England outlined in a letter from NHS chief executive, Simon Stevens.

But while there is a commitment to continuing cancer treatment, NHS England has advised specialists to discuss the possibility of delaying treatment if the benefits outweighed the potential risks. They’ve also issued new guidance on managing cancer treatment and care during the coronavirus pandemic for health professionals. Similar guidance is likely to be developed by NHS services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but these have yet to be published.

A national cancer treatment response group has been established in Scotland, which will provide advice around cancer treatments and ensure measures are being taken to protect those living with cancer. Here’s where you can find the latest NHS advice in Scotland.

16 March: UK Government advises social distancing

UK Government has issued advice for everyone in the UK about social distancing to reduce the spread of coronavirus. This includes advice for cancer patients.

Katie



from Cancer Research UK – Science blog https://ift.tt/2QrFgSO
Illustration of COVID-19 coronavirus.

With the coronavirus outbreak developing daily, we want to make sure everyone affected by cancer gets the information they need during this time.

We’ll be monitoring the latest government and NHS health updates in both the UK and devolved nations and pulling together relevant information in this blog post. But for the most up to date guidance, please visit government and NHS websites. You can find a full list of links on our coronavirus information page.

We’d also recommend speaking to your cancer team if you have any questions or worries about coronavirus.

If you’re currently undergoing or about to start cancer treatment, it’s important to keep up to date with NHS guidance to limit the chances of exposure – especially if the virus becomes more prevalent. Your specialist might want to discuss the possibility of delaying treatment in some situations, if they felt the risks outweighed the benefits for you personally.

– Martin Ledwick, Cancer Research UK’s head information nurse.

18 March: Boris Johnson releases new advice for ‘vulnerable groups’

The UK Prime Ministers says the country is taking ‘drastic measures’ to help curb the coronavirus outbreak, including recommending that vulnerable groups avoid social contact for 12 weeks.

How can cancer affect the immune system?

Some types of cancer – like leukaemia and lymphoma – can lower your ability to fight infection by affecting your immune system.

Some cancer treatments can also weaken the immune system. Chemotherapy, for example, can stop the bone marrow making enough white blood cells, which are a vital part of the immune system. This effect is most prominent during treatment, but the effects can last for some time afterwards.

For more information visit our coronavirus and cancer page, which we’ll be updating with the latest advice.

17 March: ‘Vital cancer treatments will continue’

NHS Scotland has announced it will postpone non-urgent elective care as part of its ongoing coronavirus preparations. But “vital cancer treatments, emergency, maternity and urgent care” will continue.

Similar measures have been announced in Wales and England, with the commitment to continuing cancer treatments in England outlined in a letter from NHS chief executive, Simon Stevens.

But while there is a commitment to continuing cancer treatment, NHS England has advised specialists to discuss the possibility of delaying treatment if the benefits outweighed the potential risks. They’ve also issued new guidance on managing cancer treatment and care during the coronavirus pandemic for health professionals. Similar guidance is likely to be developed by NHS services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but these have yet to be published.

A national cancer treatment response group has been established in Scotland, which will provide advice around cancer treatments and ensure measures are being taken to protect those living with cancer. Here’s where you can find the latest NHS advice in Scotland.

16 March: UK Government advises social distancing

UK Government has issued advice for everyone in the UK about social distancing to reduce the spread of coronavirus. This includes advice for cancer patients.

Katie



from Cancer Research UK – Science blog https://ift.tt/2QrFgSO

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