Coronavirus (covid) and cancer

Covid is a viral infection. Anyone who has a weakened immune system is more at risk of being seriously ill if they get covid. Some people with cancer may be at a higher risk, so it is important to follow the advice from the NHS and your healthcare team. For more information you can visit government websites for coronavirus guidance in:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland.

The main symptoms of covid are:

• a new, continuous cough
• a high temperature
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

Some people may also have:

• shortness of breath
• unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
• muscle aches or pains
• not wanting to eat, or not feeling hungry
• a headache
• a sore throat and stuffy or runny nose
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick or being sick

The rules about self-isolation have changed since the pandemic. The advice now is stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you:

• have symptoms of a cold, like covid
• have a high temperature
• do not feel well enough to go to work or do normal activities.

You should follow government guidance on staying at home if you are unwell. Find out more about this in: 

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Most people no longer need to take a lateral flow test (covid test). But there are some people who may still use them. Lateral flow tests are free for people who:

• have a health condition that means they can have new covid treatments
• are going into hospital for treatment

Your hospital team will discuss this with you. You can read more about getting tests in:

If you have finished cancer treatment or have had cancer in the past, you may be worried about your risk from covid. Anyone who has a weakened immune system is more at risk of being seriously ill if they get it. Talk to your GP or hospital team if you are worried about your immune system.

If you are a carer for someone who has cancer it is important to get your covid vaccines when they are offered. Being vaccinated helps to reduce the risk of the person you care for becoming very unwell with covid.

If you feel unwell, you may need to make other arrangements for their care. You can have plans in place in case you become unwell. Carers UK have information about making an emergency plan.

If you have symptoms of covid, there are things you can do to keep other people safe:

• Try to keep a safe distance from other people.
• Try to avoid shared spaces if you can, for example the kitchen and toilet.
• Wear a mask in shared spaces.
• Keep windows open.
• Wash your hands regularly.

If the person you care for is in hospital, care home or hospice, you should not visit if you have covid.

At Macmillan we know cancer can disrupt your whole life. We’ll do whatever it takes to help everyone living with cancer in the UK get the support they need right now, and transform cancer care for the future. If you are worried, there is help available and people to talk to. We are here for you if you have question about covid, cancer treatment or finances.

Find out more about different support options and how you can speak to someone.

• visit our Cancer Information and Support section on the website to get up to date information about living with cancer and getting support
• use our support services, over the phone or online
• sign up to our Macmillan Buddies service for someone to talk to
• visit the Online Community to share your experience and chat to others
• use our Ask an expert service.