With the identification of the novel coronavirus as a “PANDEMIC” in March 2020, our fellow health care fraternity has been fighting relentlessly round the clock to bring things back to normalcy. The need of the hour is seamless health care facilities for every individual who requires it, but the ironic situation is that we are becoming devoid of medical facilities, even when people are in dire need.

Why are cancer patients more affected?

• Cancer patients are immunosuppressed and are amongst the most vulnerable groups to get affected with various infections.
• Oncology requires repeated clinical visits, surgical stays, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, etc., and pandemic treatment a herculean task. Though there is a myriad of issues to ponder upon, there are still certain aspects to see in the light.
• Remote Connection - Patients can stay in touch with doctors in teleconsultancies at the comfort of their homes, without commuting to hospitals
• Digital Ecosystem - Bringing together all the medical experts and specialists in a real-time system makes room for the exchange of ideas and discussions and allows one to arrive at the best solution expeditiously.
• Well framed medical procedures - In times of social distancing, a well-constructed approach comes into the picture with limited physical examination but with requisite medical routines to enhance the well-being of the individual and give them a sense of support
• Triage patients - Not everyone needs the treatment on the spur of the moment. Deciding when to schedule or postpone surgical procedures, chemo, and immunotherapies basing on the degree of seriousness is paramount

What patients and caregivers must know?

• Clean your hands frequently
• Wear masks
• Stay home, stay safe. Do not travel except for essentials
• Minimize social interactions and practice social distancing
• Avoid meeting unwell people
• Do not touch your face often. When you do, avoid touching with unclean hands.
• Cancer patients should get vaccinated after taking advice from doctors.

For caregivers of cancer patients

• Caretakers of cancer patients should keep the environment around them hygienic.
• Regularly disinfect and clean the furniture, the dishes that the patient uses, and frequently touched surfaces
• Disposable gloves should be worn while disinfecting and cleaning. They should be put in the trash bin after each use
• When you are out of home, ensure to keep your hands sanitized
• Avoid visits to crowded places and use of public transport
• After visiting public places, ensure to change your clothes and wash your hands thoroughly with soap (for at least 20 seconds)
• When someone is visiting your home or the caregiving place, ensure the visitors wash their hands and maintain a distance of at least 1-2 meters from the patient
• If you have been exposed to the virus and care for a cancer patient, it is best advised to isolate yourself from the patient.

Challenges are opportunities to learn new ways of living and sustain the wrath that life shoves. The health care system is undergoing rapid evolution and it would drastically alter the future of health maintenance in the world. Don’t neglect a personal crisis in times of a world crisis.

The online onco-consultations with Cancer Clinics lets you stay on the radar of supervision, have the requisite information of health care needs, and helps you fight off the malady!