Table of contents:
- The importance of routine treatment for cancer patients
- Tips for cancer patients when they go to the hospital during a pandemic
The number of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Indonesia has continued to increase significantly since early March 2020. People are encouraged to keep working and attending school from home, avoiding crowds or crowds as much as possible, and keeping their distance. But what about cancer patients who still need treatment in this pandemic?
The importance of routine treatment for cancer patients
Cancer patients are divided into patients with early stage (stage 1 and 2), local advanced stage (stage 3), and metastatic (stage 4). The main therapy for cancer patients who are in stages 1 and 2 after undergoing surgery is chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy, and then continuing with radiotherapy. If the treatment is carried out routinely in cancer patients, the cure rate will be high.
Indeed, cancer patients must continue their chemotherapy treatments according to schedule despite being in the midst of a pandemic like now.
Patients of all ages diagnosed with cancer are particularly susceptible to infection by viruses or germs. They are also prone to experiencing a decrease in the immune system due to cancer cells that have lodged in the patient's body. However, if the predetermined treatment schedule is then postponed, the cancer cells will multiply and of course the patient's condition will get worse.
Tips for cancer patients when they go to the hospital during a pandemic
Basically, the schedule of treatment or therapy must be communicated to your treating doctor. Where possible, this interim consultation should be done by telephone rather than face-to-face.
However, if your doctor recommends that you keep treatment on schedule, it is strongly recommended that you stay in the hospital area as little as possible. Patients who undergo chemotherapy must come to the hospital on schedule and after chemotherapy is finished, they are advised to go home immediately.
Tips for cancer patients when it comes to a hospital visit:
- When in the hospital area, patients should wash their hands with soap and running water as often as possible.
- Practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
- Use a mask appropriately, namely covering the nose to the chin, and it is advisable to use a medical mask.
- Minimize the length of time you are in the hospital.
- It is highly recommended that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy should continue to live a healthy lifestyle and strict personal hygiene.
Patients who are going to undergo chemotherapy or are in the process of therapy must get a supply of nutritious food, sufficient consumption of drinking water, and rest. There is no need for additional vitamin C supplements as long as the patient is fit or prime.
Cancer patients are at the same risk as ordinary people when it comes to being infected with COVID-19 if they do not maintain strict personal hygiene. The decision to start or continue treatment should be discussed with the doctor for both the uninfected patient and the cancer patient who is diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2.
If they show symptoms of COVID-19, then they are worth treating and willing to do so after a proper explanation of the risks and benefits. The key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, strict personal hygiene, and pray to the Almighty to stay healthy during the chemotherapy period.
