Coronavirus (covid) and cancer

If you have cancer, you might be worried about coronavirus (covid). We have information about the support that is available, as well as advice to help you stay safe.

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Guidance about 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:

Related pages

Protect yourself from covid

Here are some suggestions from Macmillan’s cancer specialists to help keep you safe:

  • Have all doses of the covid vaccine, including boosters, when they are offered to you.
  • Have the flu vaccine when it is offered to you.
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who have not been vaccinated.
  • Continue to take precautions that feel right for you.
  • Meet people outside when possible
  • Wear a mask in public places.
  • Avoid crowds and crowded places
  • Continue with hand washing and hand sanitising
  • Keep rooms well ventilated if you have guests at home.

If you have symptoms of covid, you stay at home and avoid contact with people. You can find out more about what to do if you have coronavirus in:

Is it safe to get the vaccine?

Public health experts and cancer specialists have agreed that people living with cancer should have the vaccine. Covid vaccines can be given to people who are having cancer treatment. Vaccines save lives and reduce the need for hospital stays from covid. We have more information about covid vaccine and cancer.

Will covid affect my cancer treatment?

You may be anxious about getting covid while having cancer treatment. You may also worry that having treatment could put you more at risk of becoming very unwell with covid.

The advice for people with cancer is to continue with your treatment and care plan as agreed with your healthcare team. They will talk with you about your treatment and appointments.

We have more information about covid and cancer treatment.

Covid symptoms

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

Do I need to self-isolate?

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: 

Testing for covid

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:

Treatment for covid

Treatments are available for people who are most at risk from covid. This includes some people with cancer who have a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed).

Treatment aims to stop people becoming seriously unwell and to avoid them being admitted to hospital. It works in the early stages of covid and needs to be taken as soon as possible after a positive covid test.

Find out more about covid treatments and how to access them in:

Your risk of getting covid

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 covid. Talk to your GP or healthcare team if you are worried about your immune system.

Shielding

Government advice is that people no longer need to shield. Visit government websites for guidance on how to keep yourself safe in:

Supporting someone with cancer

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.

Resources from other organisations

Covid resources in accessible formats

We have listed some organisations and websites that have accessible covid information in other formats and languages. This includes links to easy read booklets and British Sign Language (BSL) content. These resources are not specifically for people living with cancer but you may find them helpful.

You can also find our cancer-specific information in a range of different formats.

Covid resources for communities

We have listed some websites that provide information on how coronavirus has impacted certain communities.

  • Race Equality Foundation has information about risk factors of covid and the impact on Black and minority ethnic communities.
  • The LGBT Foundation has information about how covid is affecting LGBT communities and a list of organisations that can support you.

Get expert advice and covid support from Macmillan

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.

How we can help

Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen. 

 

Call us free on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. You can talk to our cancer specialists about anything.
Email us
Email the Macmillan Support Team if you have any questions.
Chat online
Available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. For confidential, real-time support if you don’t want to call.
Online Community

Chat online anonymously to others who understand what you are going through. Our community is available 24/7 and has dedicated forums where you can get advice and ask our experts.
Find local cancer support services
What's going on near you? Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with Macmillan where you live.
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