COVID-19 has meant disruption for cancer patients who are not only at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 but also have to keep up with frequent hospital visits. A look at online search trends related to cancer and COVID-19 can provide some insights into the concerns of cancer patients during COVID-19.
By Dr. Shriya Raina
COVID-19 has been particularly challenging for patients with underlying diseases. Not only are they at a higher risk of contracting the virus, and in a severe way; but their access to essential health services is also in jeopardy.
Cancer patients, particularly those undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy have further comprised immune systems; and have to keep up with regular hospital visits during treatment.
In the context of India, cancer is prevalent and one of the Top 3 diseases for deaths in the country. In 2018 alone, there were 11,57,294 new cases; 22,58,208 prevalent cases (total cases in last five years) and 7,84,821 deaths from cancer.
A look at online search trends related to cancer and COVID-19 can provide some insights into the concerns of cancer patients during COVID-19.
Accessing cancer treatment during COVID-19
Whether and how to avail cancer treatment during coronavirus was widely searched worldwide.
The question of whether immunosuppressive therapies to treat cancer should be continued or not has no clear answer. Since there are no universal guidelines, treatment decisions must be made on a case-to-case basis. To ensure safety, many hospitals and clinics in the US have the proper spacing of waiting room and infusion chairs and are spacing out appointments to limit the number of people in the waiting room at one time.
For patients receiving cancer treatment at a medical facility, it is advised to postpone avoidable routine follow-ups, use telemedicine, practice social distancing, maintain good respiratory and hand hygiene and to always be in contact with their healthcare providers.
As per the Cancer Research UK, before starting the cancer treatment, doctors should weigh the risks and benefits of treatment, the urgency of treatment required, and should prioritize caregiving; which implies that the treatment of patients in need should be prioritized over others. The American Society of Clinical Oncology says, all asymptomatic patients prior to receipt of immunosuppressive therapy should be tested for COVID-19. In the event of a positive result, the patient’s oncologist, in consultation with the patient should discuss the next steps.
Treatment for cancer patients with COVID-19
People popularly searched for the association between COVID-19 and cancer.
The ability of a cancer patient to recover from COVID-19 requires more medical research.
Initial analyses of the characteristics of COVID-19 fatalities however suggest that cancer could reduce the ability of a patient to respond to COVID-19 treatment. A study conducted by New York Hospital System (NYHS) found that case fatality rates were two to three times higher among cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in comparison with COVID-19 patients without cancer.
Transportation to reach cancer hospitals providing surgery
The curtailment of all outdoor activities and public transportation in an attempt to flatten the COVID-19 curve has meant agony for cancer patients scheduled to travel to larger cities to avail of cancer surgery and treatment.
In India, a highly popular search was for information on the resumption of the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train, casually called the “cancer train” that enables hundreds of cancer patients from the state of Punjab to access affordable treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in the state of Rajasthan.
