What cancer patients should know about Covid-19

The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) based in Bedfordview, will continue to keep patients and survivors safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, by providing online support through the Cansa website, social media platforms and staff on call.

Elize Joubert, Cansa CEO described cancer patients and survivors as among those at higher risk of serious illness from an infection because their immune systems are often weakened.

“It’s important that we educate on what can be done to lower their risk for the virus, and on what to do if they should contract it. We also want them to know that they are not alone, despite the 21-day lockdown,” said Jobert.

Cancer patients will continue to stay at some of the Cansa Care Homes across South Africa.

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The homes will include protective measures and strict infection procedures and while the public hospitals are open and receiving patients.

“Cansa staff and volunteers will also continue to support patients online through our website, social media support groups and platforms during the lockdown period.

“We appeal to those who are in a position to enable our continued support of cancer survivors and patients through online donations, to do so at www.cansa.org.za.” said Joubert

Cansa will assist stoma and ostomy patients with orders and deliveries that will be processed once a week on Thursdays.

Patients and survivors may mail thavenga@cansa.org.za or stomapta@cansa.org.za or WhatsApp 078 942 9290.

“Thank you to all our dedicated caregivers, nurses and medical staff who have, selflessly, continued to put our patients’ needs first regardless of personal risk at this time.

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“We would not be able to carry out our unique service delivery offering if it were not for them – we are exceptionally grateful to have such a wonderful care team,” said Joubert.

Cansa will continue supporting patients also on the toll free call centre 0800 22 66 22 and WhatsApp lines which are 072 197 9305 English and Afrikaans / 071 867 3530 Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho and Siswati.

A list of staff on call will be posted on the Cansa website so that patients can stay in touch with staff during the lockdown.

Cansa may be contacted via social media platforms such as Facebook:CancerAssociationOfSouthAfrica, Twitter:@CANSA and Instagram:cancerassociationofsouthafrica

Cancer patients at high risk

Cancer patients and survivors are among those at higher risk of serious illness from an infection because their immune systems are often weakened.

The immune system protects the body against illness and infection caused by viruses like the coronavirus.

Most people diagnosed with cancer have a weakened immune system which reduces their ability to fight infections, because some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can stop the bone marrow from making enough white blood cells.

White blood cells are part of your immune system. Lower white blood cell counts is most likely to happen during a course of cancer treatment, but the effects can last for some time afterwards.

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Some types of cancer can also lower your ability to fight infection.

This is usually cancer that affects your immune system like leukaemia or lymphoma.

When your ability to fight infection is lowered the symptoms of any infection can be much more severe and may become dangerous.

Especially at risk are: (Box)

1. People having chemotherapy, or who have received chemotherapy in the last three months

2. People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer

3. People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors

4. People having intensive (radical) radiotherapy for lung cancer

5. People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last six months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs

6. People with some types of blood cancer which damage the immune system, even if they have not needed treatment (for example, chronic leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma).

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