As restrictions ease you might be feeling uncertain about what this means to you. How much you continue to self-isolate will depend on your individual circumstances and the level of risk to you. Your treatment team will be able to provide you with advice to help you to remain safe throughout during COVID-19.   If your immune system is compromised, then it is likely you will need to continue to self-isolate as much as possible.   If you need support or practical assistance our 13 11 20 staff are also available to help you. Our article ‘How do I cope with being isolated’ also has some tips and advice for staying in touch while you are self-isolating.   Or you may like to check out our Cancer and COVID-19 forum here in the Online Community, we have a number of threads with suggestions. ... View more

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy can result in a weakened immune system.   Chemotherapy Chemotherapy acts by killing cancer cells but it also kills normal cells which over time can repair and recover. During chemotherapy, bone marrow which produces white blood cells that are essential in the body’s immune response, are damaged. As a result, your immune system may be weakened.   For more information read Cancer Council’s Understanding Chemotherapy booklet.   Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy uses X-rays to destroy or injure cancer cells so they cannot multiply. In this process, white blood cells, used to fight infections, may also be damaged, which can lower your immune system. New techniques are reducing the impact on the immune system by delivering targeted radiation but you should still be aware that your immune system may be lower than it would usually be if you are healthy and well.     For more information read Cancer Council’s Understanding Radiotherapy booklet.   Hormone Treatments Hormone treatments slow or stop the growth of cancer that use hormones to grow. Hormone treatments can be broadly categorised into those that block the body’s ability to produce hormones and those that interfere with how hormones behave in the body.   Hormone treatment used on its own is unlikely to affect the immune system, however if it is used in combination with chemotherapy then the immune system may be weakened.   For more information read Cancer Council’s webpage on hormone therapy.   Immunotherapy Immunotherapy is a relatively new and emerging treatment that assists the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy can boost the immune system to work better against cancer or remove barriers to the immune system attacking the cancer.   Immunotherapy sometimes results in the immune system attacking healthy cells. This can make cancer patients on immunotherapy more susceptable to contracting an infection or virus.   For more information read Cancer Council’s Understanding Immunotherapy factsheet.   Surgery Surgery for cancer can often be used in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which may lower your immune system. It is also possible that surgery alone may lower your immune system. Surgery to remove lymph nodes and bone marrow transplants are examples of surgery that may weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections.   For more information read Cancer Council’s Understanding Surgery booklet.   If you are undergoing cancer treatment, you should take extra steps to avoid getting COVID-19 as your body may not be able to as effectively fight the virus if your immune system is compromised. Read our FAQ “Are there any additional precautions I should take if I have or have had cancer?” for more information on how to reduce your risk. Our trained staff can also help you with tips for managing your risk. Call our information line on 13 11 20 if you are concerned. ... View more

Wearing face masks may protect you from droplets when a person with COVID-19 speaks, coughs, or sneezes, and you are less than 1.5 metres away from them. Wearing a mask will also help protect others if you are infected with the virus, but do not have symptoms of infection.   If your immune system is compromised, then there may be some situations where wearing a mask could reduce your risk from COVID-19. This will primarily be in situations where maintaining physical distancing is difficult such as:   When using public transport. In crowded places. During hospital or GP visits where encounters cannot be avoided. If you do use a mask, a surgical or cloth mask is sufficient. You should not use a P2 or N95 mask, or a mask with a valve. Surgical masks are disposable, so if you chose to use a surgical mask, it should not be reused. When putting the mask on or taking the mask off, try to only touch the mask by the straps that go over the ears. Once the mask is on, do not remove it and put it back on – it should remain in place until you are finished wearing it.     If you are unable to avoid people who do have flu-like symptoms, such as members of your household, then encouraging them to wear a mask at home may also help to protect you.   It is important to remember that a mask is not a substitute for maintaining physical distance, hand hygiene, and at least daily cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. You can find more information on these precautions under ‘Are there any additional precautions I should take if I have or have had cancer?’   Health experts are also now recommending face masks in areas of Australia where community transmission of COVID-19 is high. You should follow the advice of your state or territory government to determine if it is necessary for you to wear a mask when you leave home.   You can read more about face masks and coverings here. ... View more

If you or a loved one is living with cancer and/or are undergoing treatment, in addition to following the Australian government’s advice, there are additional precautions you can take to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.   In many cases, these will be similar to precautions you may have been given by your treating team.   These can include: Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or if not immediately available use an alcohol-based hand rub. It’s a good idea to carry this with you. It is especially important to wash your hands before eating or drinking. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as this can transfer the virus from surfaces and increase the risk of infection. Avoid contact with those who are sick or unwell or have been exposed to the virus or may be at higher risk due to recent travel to a high-risk country. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (tables, benches, light switches, doorknobs, sinks, toilets, remotes, such as your mobile phone or eating surfaces). Wear gloves (disposable if possible). Clean obvious debris with soap and water. Clean with a 70% alcohol solution or a mix of 4 teaspoons of bleach per litre of water. Avoid crowds and crowded areas and avoid unnecessary physical contact, such as shaking hands, hugging or kissing. This is especially important if you are currently having chemotherapy or are post treatments such as bone marrow transplantation. Maintain a 1.5 metre physical distance between yourself and others and avoid social habits such as kissing or handshakes. Talk to your doctor or member of your treatment team about the times in your treatment when you may be at the highest risk of infection so you can plan your activities accordingly. (Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to boosting the immune system beyond adhering to a healthy lifestyle). Call your treatment team to see if you can do you some of your consultations remotely via phone, Skype or Facetime. Stay home as much as possible and avoid non-essential travel and avoid public transport if you can. Most importantly, if you are concerned you may have been exposed to COVID-19 you should call your treatment team.   We recognise it is not always possible to have family and friends help you, so if you need practical assistance to reduce your risk, or you need emotional support you can call Cancer Council’s information and support line on 13 11 20 during business hours. Or you may like post your questions and discuss any concerns in our Cancer and COVID-19 forum here in the Online Community.   For more specific advice around your individual risk please contact your treatment team. ... View more

Cancer treatment, for example chemotherapy, can lower the immune system. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment or have a blood-related cancer such as leukaemia or lymphoma, your immune system may be weaker, which means your body may not be able to as effectively fight the virus as someone who is healthy and well.   As such, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and to call your doctor if you are concerned. Healthdirect Australia has developed the COVID-19 Symptom Checker, an online self-guided tool to help people find out if they need to seek medical help. There is further information around minimising your risk in the questions below.   It is normal and understandable that you might feel anxious about contracting COVID-19. If you are feeling anxious, have questions or need support, please remember that Cancer Council’s information and support line is available on 13 11 20 during business hours. Our specially trained team can provide emotional support as well as practical tips for minimising the risk of infection during this time.   You may also like to post your questions or discuss any concerns in our Cancer and COVID-19 forum here in the Online Community.   Resources Symptoms of COVID-19 (Health.gov.au) COVID-19 symptom checker (Healthdirect) Cancer and COVID-19 forum (Cancer Council) ... View more

Hello all,   Cancer Council understands that Australians, and people across the world, affected by cancer, may have questions in relation to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus and the illness it causes, COVID-19.   If you have cancer your immune system may not be as strong as it is normally so you may have concerns about the risks associated with COVID-19. Generally speaking, people with cancer should follow the specific advice and standard precautions recommended by your health care practitioners to minimise your risk of infection, both during and after treatment.   If you are feeling anxious, have questions or need support, please remember that our Information and Support line is available on 13 11 20, 9am-5pm weekdays. Our team of health professionals can provide emotional support as well as practical tips for minimising the risk of infection during this time.   Note: Only Australians can call our 13 11 20 Information and Support service, but there would no doubt be similar services in your own country that are accessible to you.   We encourage you all to use this forum to discuss the developing situation, and to ask any questions you may have. We have a large community of people here, as well as a team here at Cancer Council that are happy to jump in if you need us.   -Cancer Council Online Community team ... View more