Posted by Kathleen Hoffman on Jul 31, 2020 in Blog, Breast cancer, Colorectal cancer, Coronavirus / COVID-19, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Leukemia, Lung cancer, Lymphoma, Melanoma, Multiple Myeloma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Prostate cancer | 3 comments

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Recent research presented at a virtual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research ¹ indicates the need for greater care and continued social distancing for those who are in treatment for cancer and – in one study that was presented – those who have a recent history of cancer (the research looked at people from 2015 to the present).

Risk of death increased for those who had cancer or had been in treatment in the past and had contracted COVID-19 compared to those who had not contracted COVID-19.²

Another key finding presented at the conference showed an increase in mortality for cancer patients who had COVID-19 and who were treated in the hospital with hydroxychloroquine.³

Factors that had been identified as increasing the risk of death in cancer patients who contracted COVID-19 were gender – males were at higher risk, ethnic heritage – African Americans have increased risk, smoking status – both current and former smokers, and having a cancer of the blood.

Maintaining six feet separation, using masks if going out in public, disinfecting hands and one’s environment are precautions that cancer patients and their loved ones must take to remain safe.

Let us know if you have any questions or any suggestions in the comments section below.

References:
¹https://www.aacr.org/meeting/aacr-virtual-meeting-covid-19-and-cancer/
²https://cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2020/07/21/2159-8290.CD-20-0941
³https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/asco/86738

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