Covid-19 and Lung Cancer
- Makynsie Bancroft
- Nov 21, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 10, 2021
A lung cancer diagnosis at any time is devastating to a patient and their family. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the chances of lung cancer complications such as shortness of breath, fluid surrounding the lungs, and chest pain. Because coronavirus is a respiratory infection, those with lung cancer, in particular, are susceptible to more severe complications from the virus. These include trouble breathing, persistent pressure in the chest, and bluish lips or face. According to ScienceDirect, COVID-19 was severe in patients with lung cancer, with 62% hospitalized and 25% killed. It was also found that it takes more than the preconceived 14 days for lung cancer patients to recover from the coronavirus. These findings suggest that it’s extremely important for lung cancer victims and their families to take the proper precautions, such as wearing a mask and hand washing regularly.
The COVID-19 pandemic affects all lung cancer patients, not just those who have contracted the virus. As medical operations adjusted to the pandemic, lung cancer patients have experienced delayed screenings and treatments. In addition, in highly-affected areas, those with lung cancer have even had surgeries suspended. Because lung cancer patients are more likely to experience extreme complications from coronavirus, many are choosing not to attend appointments in person. In-person appointments are important, especially with cancer patients, to properly evaluate the severity of one’s illness. This leads many suffering from lung cancer to face a difficult decision- to risk exposing themselves to a deadly virus and receive the best care possible or to stay home and receive less adequate care.
Luckily, there are still many ways to stay safe and continue with in-person treatments and appointments!
Here is how you can prioritize your health:
1. Although it may be uncomfortable, wearing a mask throughout appointments and treatments greatly decrease the chances of contracting COVID-19.
2. It’s equally important to avoid touching any area of the face, especially after touching other surfaces.
3. In addition, hand washing with warm water and soap, or using hand sanitizer when it’s more convenient, can keep any virus that’s potentially on the hands from entering the body.
4. Call your doctor's office and find out more specific information about precautions being taken to help keep you safe. Being informed is a powerful tool that will help keep you healthy!
Despite the delays in proper treatment and care, as the coronavirus pandemic progresses, more lung cancer patients will be able to return to their typical treatments. However, it is always important to take the proper precautions when entering hospitals and doctors’ offices to decrease the chances of contracting COVID-19. CARE - A Global Initiative, encourages everyone to stay safe as we navigate through this pandemic.
**Disclaimer: The Team at CARE does its best to provide you with accurate information but have to emphasize that we are not experts. Please consult your doctor/specialist to see what is best for you!
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