COVID-19 & Cancer

Dr. Maurie Markman explains that missing multiple doctors’ appointments because of the COVID-19 pandemic could have a profound impact on people’s health, because of delayed diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Although we are entering another winter with the ongoing prevalence of the coronavirus, we have come a long way since the initial outbreak. Here are some reasons for patients to be optimistic for the season.

For most patients with cancer, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. This article explains the results of the first study that evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the mRNA vaccines in patients with solid cancers, such as lung, breast, or prostate cancer.

Patients with cancer can take a proactive role in their overall well-being by finding out what types of activities work best for them to combat feelings of isolation.

As a palliative care nurse, Amy Velasquez knows what it means to take care of patients and their families dealing with real pain and suffering. Here, Amy unravels her experience caring for her mom, who tested positive for COVID-19 in October 2020.

Sheryl Gundersen, who worked as a software sales professional for 35 years, became an expert in interpreting her customers’ body language. In this article, she describes how she used these skills in her personal journey with breast cancer while facing people wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of constant stress for many people, especially for patients with cancer, who have had to deal with the added burdens, delays, and disruptions caused by this worldwide phenomenon affecting all facets of our lives.

Amy Wu, breast cancer survivor and advocate, relates her experience of living with cancer through the pandemic, noting the parallels between coming out the other side of cancer and COVID-19, and how important keeping realistic expectations and finding joyful distractions can be.

As we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month, let’s focus on building awareness of the latest vaccination guidance and requirements to support parents of children and teens with pediatric cancer.