COVID-19 Awareness for Cancer Patients

In the wake of announcements and orders issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Governor’s office, Kateswell is dedicated to supporting those with cancer and other immunocompromised community members as we work together to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19.) 

What should those with cancer know?

According to the latest report by Today, COVID-19 is especially worrisome for those with an active form of cancer that is not in remission, as well as those that are currently receiving immune-suppressive treatments including bone marrow transplant. These individuals are at higher risk for developing the severe form of the infection.

According to the report, those with the following cancers are at highest risk:
- Blood cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma (myelodysplastic syndromes)
- Active cancers affecting organ systems
- Lung cancers

Things to Know and Ways to Help  

Social distancing and use of the health and safety guidelines from the CDC are extremely important for those in the cancer community at highest risk. The ODH director recently stated that she believes that more than 100,000 in Ohio could be carriers. We encourage everyone to use the CDC guide. (Download HERE) 

We encourage friends, family, caregivers, healthcare providers, and employers to support the cancer community by being as understanding and as flexible as possible while being vigilant about public health and safety. This includes supporting decisions to avoid situations that may place them at risk, and this may include contact with certain loved ones. It’s also important to be sensitive to the needs of those facing prolonged periods of isolation.

  • Make more phone calls. Skip the texting and call your loved one to see how they’re doing, tell them about your day, share your favorite books and movie suggestions, or just offer encouragement.  

  • Get creative with tools like Facetime, Skype and Zoom to have “visits” with your loved one while supporting them during periods of social distancing.

Get Expert Advice

Here are the recommendations from the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, which include starting with a Virtual Consultation. Here are the CDC mitigation recommendations, and here is the CDC safety guide. Here is the Ohio Department of Health's 24/7 hotline: 833-427-5634.  

If you have information, resources, services or recommendations that can help Ohio’s cancer community, please CONTACT US.

Alicia Gempel