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COVID-19 and cancer patients

People with compromised immune systems or pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer, may be at increased risk of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) and increased risk of more severe infection.

Contact your doctor or healthcare team
If you are receiving cancer treatment and develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, contact your oncologist or a member of your healthcare team, as you usually would when you develop any side effect while on treatment.

Prevention
Cancer patients should follow the same recommendations as the general population

• If you feel sick, stay at home and limit contact with others
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand.
• Dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean the following high-touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water):
  – toys
  – toilets
  – phones
  – electronics
  – door handles
  – bedside tables
  – television remotes

Wearing masks
If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Wearing a mask when you are not ill may give a false sense of security. There is a potential risk of infection with improper mask use and disposal. They also need to be changed frequently.

However, your health care provider may recommend you wear a mask if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 while you are seeking or waiting for care. In this instance, masks are an appropriate part of infection prevention and control measures. The mask acts as a barrier and helps stop the tiny droplets from spreading you when you cough or sneeze.

Public Health Agency of Canada
More details and latest updates on COVID-19 visit Public Health Agency of Canada

Public Health Authorities by province or territory
To learn more about COVID-19 in your province or territory click on this link (scroll down to the bottom of the page for a list of phone numbers and website links).