Treatment goes on in spite of the pandemic.
- While surgery may be postponed in some cases, most treatments for ovarian cancer, including regular chemotherapy, can be continued
- Hospital and medical office practices may be altered because of COVID-19, and you may be assessed for infection before treatment can begin
- You will likely be required to wear a mask during your doctor’s visit, or in the hospital, and unfortunately family and friends may be prohibited from visiting
- As COVID-19 continues, doctors say the order of treatment may also be altered for some women
"Patients with ovarian cancer are quite at risk during the pandemic," says Dr. Daynelle Dedmond, a gynecologic oncologist with Centura Health in Colorado Springs. She explains that chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and recent surgery may make patients more vulnerable, as does the need for ongoing medical care which requires people to leave their homes and venture into the community. But Dr. Dedmond explains that these factors don't necessarily mean changing treatment decisions, since hospitals are aware of these risks and have changed their usual procedures to address them.
- Patients will probably need to wear a mask as soon as they step out of their car and enter the hospital. The doctors and hospital staff will be wearing masks, too.
- Many patients coming to the hospital may not be able to bring support people, including family and friends, with them. That reduces the number of contacts in the hospital and further helps protect patients and staff.
- Hospitals are also trying to immediately assess patients coming to the hospital to be sure they’re not already infected with the new coronavirus, in order to protect other patients and hospital staff.
Dr. Dedmond explains that yes, the pandemic has changed hospital policies and required that doctors and hospitals institute special precautions during cancer treatments. But because of those precautions, treatments can safely be performed when they're recommended, and it's not necessary for cancer patients to postpone crucial therapy for months until the pandemic has been brought under control.
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