medwireNews: ESMO has issued guidance for patients with cancer on the possible impact of COVID-19 on their care.
As explained on the website, the guide is intended to help patients, families, and caregivers understand the effects of the pandemic, but is not intended as a replacement for their physician’s advice.
“We recommend that you ask your doctor about the specific effects of the pandemic on treatment for your type and stage of cancer,” the website states.
The guidance outlines information on COVID-19 and the steps that patients can take to reduce their risk of acquiring the infection. It also provides information on potential adaptations to practices and treatment plans, as well as the effects on the management of side effects, end-of-life care, and follow-up appointments.
The patient guide was developed and reviewed by various representatives of ESMO and ESMO’s Patient Advocates Working Group, and will be updated regularly.
medwireNews is an independent medical news service provided by Springer Healthcare. © 2020 Springer Healthcare part of the Springer Nature Group
12 May 2020: The coronavirus pandemic is affecting all healthcare professionals across the globe. Medicine Matters’ focus, in this difficult time, is the dissemination of the latest data to support you in your research and clinical practice, based on the scientific literature. We will update the information we provide on the site, as the data are published. However, please refer to your own professional and governmental guidelines for the latest guidance in your own country.