Simple And Effective Tips To Take Care Of Cancer Patients During Covid-19

During Coronavirus, taking care of cancer patients is crucial to prevent them from further infection due to their compromised immune system. Other than their continued cancer treatment in India, below are the effective tips that will help them take care of themselves safely and healthily during Covid-19.

The current ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire globe drastically. Among all, most affected are the ones who are already suffering from chronic illnesses like cancer. During COVID-19, the risk associated with the coronavirus infection is high among the cancer patients, since their immune system has already become weak due to ongoing treatment. Hence, without neglecting the importance of regular cancer treatment in India, below are the effective tips you can recommend if any of your loved ones are either being diagnosed or treated with cancer during COVID-19.

1. Hand hygiene is vital:

Since corona is a virus that spread with a touch as well, washing hands frequently should be the regular practice among all, to prevent getting affected by the infection. One should advise the cancer patient to follow the below handwashing tips strictly.

• Frequent washing of hands with warm water for at least 20 seconds after every 30 minutes when:
• Before or after eating, touching body parts like face, eyes, mouth, and nose
• After coughing, sneezing, blowing the nose or using the washroom
• After treating a wound, touching pets or the garbage, visiting public places are imperative
• Immediately after returning from outside visit
• It is important to carry a hand-sanitizer (alcohol-based) regularly to clean hands when out during COVID-19. Regular use of sanitizer after touching staircase, lift buttons, gates, shaking hands, etc. will help prevent virus (if any) to sustain on hands

2. Social-distancing is a must

Since social-distancing is the new normal to prevent coronavirus, one should follow these simple tips that will help prevent everyone, including cancer patients from getting infected with the coronavirus.

• Staying at home and avoiding unnecessary travel is crucial during this time.
• One should always keep 6 feet distance with anyone and should stay away from people suffering from fever, flu, or any other infection.
• Everyone, especially cancer patients, should say no to sizeable crowds or gatherings.
• Cancer patients should consult experts from their cancer treatment center to know about the preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Stocking up the essential medicine

You can help your loved ones who are suffering from cancer to stock up the essentials items including medicines, hand sanitizers, tissues, groceries, and other necessary household items, etc. so they don’t have to step out of home and can continue with their cancer treatment even during the outbreak of COVID-19.

4. Monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms

Since the coronavirus has spread rapidly, regular monitoring for any of the symptoms is vital. Since cancer patients undergo strong medication and treatment leading to weak immunity, keeping a close check for them is crucial. One should immediately call for medical help if any of the below-mentioned signs arise:

• Shortness of breath,
• Sore throat,
• Severe cough
• Muscle pain or chest pain
• High fever
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell

5. Regularly keep in touch with your oncologist or cancer treatment center

To prevent physical meetings or travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, every health care center is adhering to the new norms of treating the patients. The primary aim is to reduce the time spent in the hospital while continuing the care for patients. Therefore, the cancer treatment in India in hospitals like Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Center is committed to providing changed cancer care in a safe and digitized manner for the well-being of its patients and staff. Therefore, cancer patients should be in contact with their oncologist or treatment center to get the right treatment in the form of:

• Teleconsultation using online platforms
• Detailed check of each patient visiting the hospital at the flu corner for any corona symptoms
• Telemedicine following technology for e-prescription. This practice helps to provide remote healthcare to reduce travel and inconveniences. As this is effective for primary and specialty care, it is proving effective for all types of consultations for cancer patients like follow-up visits, post-hospitalization care, during preventive health management or chronic disease management, or getting front line treatment and care at all times including weekends.

Although the corona pandemic has severely disrupted overall aspects of life, it does not mean that the treatment of dreadful diseases like cancer also should come to a standstill. Therefore, with the above effective tips and advanced technological solutions by cancer care center, one can continue to get regular treatment during these times in a systematic yet safe manner.