Cancer treatment and coronavirus

Updated on Friday 16th October

As we are now in the second wave of the pandemic, the UK Government has announced new measures to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. What these measures are will depend on what part of the country you live in. Please look at your local authority website for what is happening in your area and visit government websites for guidance on what you can and cannot do in:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Many people with cancer are anxious about the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on their treatment and care. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be concerned about getting the treatment you need. You may also be worried that having treatment could put you more at risk of coronavirus.

If you are having cancer treatment, please continue with your treatment and care plan as agreed with your healthcare team. If you have a specific question about your treatment, you can ask your team.

You may be worried about cancer or waiting for a referral for investigations. Talk to your GP about any symptoms or worries you have. 

Local teams throughout the NHS are working hard to maintain delivery of cancer services as safely as possible. 

Macmillan aims to work in partnership with the NHS and also deliver direct support. This includes:

• information if you are going through tests, diagnosis or treatment 
• access to our support line teams 
• financial support to help you cope if you have money worries.

You may notice some changes when you go to the hospital or clinic:

• Cancer hubs – In some areas, cancer hubs have been set up to coordinate cancer treatment and make sure treatment continues safely during the pandemic. Only people with cancer will be treated in these hubs.
• Going to a different hospital – some people with cancer may have to go to a different NHS hospital than they usually attend or to a private hospital being used by the NHS.
• Designated areas in hospitals for cancer patients – People whose immune systems are compromised will be seen in a separate area from other patients. People will get their cancer treatment in a room or area where social distancing can be managed, they can be observed and their treatments can be given safely.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) – all staff will wear PPE, usually an apron, gloves and surgical mask. 
• People coming in as outpatients will be asked if they have any coronavirus symptoms. They will have to wear a mask during their time at the hospital or clinic.
• Coronavirus testing – Patients may be tested for coronavirus if they are coming to hospital for cancer treatment. They may also be asked to self-isolate before treatment. It is important to follow the advice given by your healthcare team. Hospital staff, even if they have no symptoms, are being tested more frequently.

The NHS is working to make sure that cancer treatments can continue in the best way possible. Your doctor will discuss what they think is the best option for you in the current situation. 

Any decisions are based on how urgently treatment is needed and any possible risks. Your healthcare team will involve you in making decisions about your treatment. They will consider the possible risks and benefits for you in the current situation and they will discuss these with you. Your safety is a priority in making any decisions.

If surgery is the best treatment, your doctors will plan for you to have an operation. They will tell you where and when this will take place. For some people, it may be safe to delay surgery. For other people, your doctor may suggest a different cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or hormonal therapy. 

In recent months, for some people continuing with treatment may have been considered too risky. For others, doctors may have suggested that their treatment was delayed or modified. For example, having treatment in a different way, such as tablets to take at home instead of treatment into a vein (intravenously). Your doctors will continue to consider the risks and benefits for you and will involve you in these discussions about your treatment as cancer services resume.

Treatment for lung cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In these videos, Dr Clive Peedell, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Dr Ernie Marshall, a Consultant Medical Oncologist, answer some frequently asked questions about lung cancer treatment and coronavirus.

In recent months people have been able to access the medicines they need, and precautions are in place to prevent future shortages. 

There is no need for you to change the way you order prescriptions or take your medicines. Always follow the advice of your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about how to take or get your medicines and medical products.

If you're worried about getting your medication while staying at home, the best thing to do is phone your GP or local pharmacy and ask about having your prescription delivered to your home.

There are also some pharmacies where you can sign up online to have your prescription delivered: 

• Boots – we've worked with Boots to remove delivery fees for people living with cancer
• Pharmacy2U
• Well

It’s really important that you look after your health and well-being before you start cancer treatment. This is called prehabilitation. This means making sure you are as healthy as possible before starting your treatment. You can do this by being physically active, eating well and, and looking after your mental well-being. 

We know this isn’t easy to do when you have to stay at home. 

We have some advice about looking after you immune system while at home. It includes information about staying active and eating well.