COVID-19 pandemic has affected many lives throughout the world, since the crisis began. It has created a havoc and fear among most individuals. Studies have reported that individuals with other severe comorbid conditions are at increased risk of developing COVID-19 infection; one of such co-morbidities is breast cancer.
Patients diagnosed with breast cancer have various questions, including ‘Am I really at increased risk of COVID-19 infection? If so, why? What are the risk factors that increase the chances of infection? How can I protect myself from this deadly virus infection?’ and many more. Well, this article answers all these questions, and therefore, helps you prevent the coronavirus infection.
Are breast cancer patients at increased risk of COVID 19 infection?
Yes. It cannot be denied that breast cancer increases the risk and enhances the susceptibility of developing COVID-19 infection. Women with breast cancer, if infected by coronavirus, may present slightly enhanced symptoms than same age, healthy women because of the relative immunosuppression. Moreover, if the person is in the middle of the treatment, the entire therapy may be affected because of the infection, like delay of the treatment sessions and other factors.
Why breast cancer increases the risk of COVID-19 infection?
Breast cancer is treated using one or a combination of these methods – radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These treatments aim to ensure that the patient is free of cancer cells. However, these therapies can weaken the immune system of the patient, making them susceptible to various infections, including the COVID-19 infection.
The immune system usually recovers after the treatment is completed, but it may take a couple of months or even a year. Thus, if the patient has recently undergone breast cancer treatment, she is at a higher risk of coronavirus infection than the others.
Breast cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the lungs may also cause lung compromise that may worsen if the woman contracts COVID-19 infection.
What risks do I have due to does my breast cancer treatment?
Some drugs used in breast cancer treatment may cause lung problems, which can increase the risk of serious complications of COVID-19 infection. Rarely, severe lung inflammation (swelling) has been associated with targeted therapy drugs such as palbociclib, ribociclib, abemaciclib, and the immunotherapy drug atezolizumab.
Are there any other risk factors?
Other risk factors that can increase the possibility of developing COVID-19 infection in breast cancer patients include:
- age more than 60
- having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- being diagnosed with a serious heart condition
- having type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or sickle cell disease
- being obese
- smoking regularly
What preventive measures can I follow?
Breast cancer patients should mainly follow the same preventive measures recommended for other healthy individuals:
- Wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth properly.
- Maintain a distance of 6 feet from people, when outdoors.
- Avoid crowded places and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
- If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face frequently, particularly when you are outdoors or when your hands aren’t clean.
- Cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing.
- Disinfected the surfaces that are regularly touched.
- Watch out for symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
- Get vaccinated if you can.
Along with these measures, breast cancer patients must take the following actions to reduce the risk of the coronavirus infection:
- Follow the preventive measures strictly and ask family and friends to do the same.
- Plan with your doctor to monitor for symptoms and steps to treat the symptoms.
- Request your employer to allow you to work from home, if you are going to your workplace.
- Stock the medicines that you are already taking and the ones you may need.
- Ask a family member or friend to shop for groceries and pick up your medications.
If you have to visit a hospital or any healthcare facility, you can request the staff members to wear masks, practice social distancing, and sanitize their hands before they touch you. Breast cancer increases the risk of developing COVID-19 infection and the associated serious complications. Follow the preventive measures vigilantly. You can always consult your oncologists for other protective measures that may be required for your condition.
References:
- Breast Cancer & Its Effect on Covid-19 Risks. Narayana Health. https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/breast-cancer-its-effect-on-covid-19-risks/#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20denying%20the,same%20age%20otherwise%20healthy%20female. Accessed on May 3rd, 2021.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): What People With Breast Cancer Need to Know. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/about_us/press_room/news/coronavirus#protect. Accessed on May 3rd, 2021.
- Special Report: COVID-19’s Impact on Breast Cancer Care. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/covid-19-and-breast-cancer-care#unique. Accessed on May 3rd, 2021.
- Vuagnat, P., Frelaut, M., Ramtohul, T. et al. COVID-19 in breast cancer patients: a cohort at the Institut Curie hospitals in the Paris area. Breast Cancer Res 22, 55 (2020).
- Coronavirus: What People with Cancer Should Know. NIH National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coronavirus/coronavirus-cancer-patient-information#what-is-coronavirus-or-covid-19. Accessed on May 3rd, 2021.
- Know the cancer – Breast cancer treatment
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