COVID-19 recommendations in 23 languages for cancer patients

Comprehensive recommendations on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for cancer patients have become available following review of guidelines from 63 national/international oncology societies. [Lancet Oncol 2020, doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(20)30278-3]

The recommendations, available in 23 languages, including Chinese, English, Japanese and Urdu, can be downloaded from websites of the European Cancer Patients Coalition and Hellenic Cancer Federation. [https://ecpc.org/covid-19-information/]

The recommendations cover six main areas:

1)      General considerations for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

2)      Protocols or special measures for cancer patients to avoid COVID-19 infection

3)      Action to take when someone is symptomatic

4)      Guidance on managing anxiety and stress

5)      Building trust with physicians to enhance patients’ confidence and compliance

6)      Procedures at cancer centres

Professional guidance has become highly important during this time as patients with cancer – who are at high risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 – are facing unprecedented circumstances with concerns that may interfere with their continuity of care. The recommendations are developed to help these patients reduce the risk of contracting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); promote their safety, treatment and compliance; and ameliorate their stress and anxiety.