COVID 19 has managed to cause havoc across the globe. It has not spared even a single person from facing its consequences in some form or another. The coronavirus pandemic has forced the reorganisation of healthcare system all around the world. Patients who were always in the need of critical care have become more vulnerable. Among the group of patients whose clinical care has been disrupted by COVID 19 are cancer patients. In this article, Dr Kaushal Yadav, the best oncologist in Gurgaon, explores the many ways coronavirus has impacted cancer care.
Dr Kaushal can be consulted at the CK Birla Hospital, a premium cancer hospital in Gurgaon.
Since the onset of COVID 19 resulting from SARS, the primary objective of any healthcare provider is to avoid or minimise its exposure to his/her patients. Cancer was traditionally a complex illness. Since there is no cure for any type of cancer, most patients relied upon constant medical care and several treatment modalities.
COVID 19 has negatively influenced cancer patient management. Here are some ways the pandemic has impacted cancer patients and their care:
- Increased risk of infection – Battling cancer is not an easy task. Cancer patients already have a weak immune system. They are more vulnerable to catching infections, including COVID. The world is still figuring its ways through this pandemic. There is next to little information available on how the virus works and how it can be treated.
One of the biggest nuisances of coronavirus is the fact that it is an air-borne infection that spreads faster than wildfire. This aspect makes its exposure even more dangerous. Cancer patients are more likely to be affected by coronavirus due to their weak immunity. The healthcare workers at the forefront of this pandemic are faced with the challenge of minimising this risk. Their prime task is to limit the exposure of coronavirus from cancer patients.
- Delayed diagnosis – Most of the cancers can be treated and some can also be prevented. However, this aspect depends upon the stage and type of cancer. An early diagnosis of cancer can lead to early treatment. However, the diagnostic tests and screenings are being delayed and interrupted due to the advent of COVID 19.
Most of the healthcare resources are being utilised to control the spread of this virus. All of the world, the incidence of COVID 19 is on a rise while the services remain limited. This sudden shift in the use of resources has postponed the diagnosis of cancer for many patients.
- Implications on treatment – Similar to diagnostics, therapeutic resources are also being requisitioned to deal with COVID. Oncologists are facing several restrictions as there is limitations on the use of operation theatres, ventilators and other life support systems that were previously used in cancer care. Research in the field of cancer treatment has also faced this burden. Scientists all across the world are investing in finding a cure for coronavirus. The extensive investigation has jeopardised the ongoing clinical trials on cancer care.
The CK Birla Hospital, a top cancer hospital in Gurgaon, can be contacted for relevant cancer care.
Cancer patients at most risk of COVID 19
It has been found that older people, children and people with underlying health conditions have the highest risk of coronavirus. Out of the group of diverse cancer patients, some are at more risk than others.
Cancer patients at a heightened risk of coronavirus are:
- Patients who are receiving chemotherapy
- Patients who are taking radiotherapy treatment
- Patients who recently have bone marrow transplants
- Patients with blood cancer
You can consult Dr Kaushal Yadav, the best oncologist in Gurgaon for personalised cancer care during COVID 19.
