Lung cancer

[Covid-19]

Coronavirus, COVID-19 and lung cancer

We know that many people with lung cancer are worried about the coronavirus COVID-19 and how it may affect them, over and above their understandable concern for family and friends. We also understand that information on the news and social media can feel overwhelming and often unclear.

This situation is made more difficult because experts are learning more about the virus and its effects all the time, and this means the Government and the NHS are changing their guidance every day.

Your health situation is unique to you so if you have any specific questions or concerns, please contact your lung cancer team. You can also keep up to date with Government advice online here: https://www.moh.gov.gr/articles/health/dieythynsh-dhmosias-ygieinhs/metra-prolhpshs-enanti-koronoioy-sars-cov-2.

Also you can contact us and guide you accordingly.

Lung cancer diagnosis and coronavirus

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing great concern to people around the world because it poses a potentially significant risk to their health. It is also putting healthcare systems under huge pressure.

Healthcare professionals and others are working tirelessly to provide the best possible care to people affected by the virus in addition to all those with existing conditions and others who become unwell.

While there are guidelines in place, they cannot cover all possible medical situations. Local doctors and other healthcare professionals will make decisions about your care and treatment based on what is most appropriate for you within the constraints of the current situation.

If you are concerned about lung cancer because you have symptoms, it is important that you contact you doctor’s surgery. They will speak to you on the phone or ask you to attend an appointment at the surgery as necessary.

Ask about other, including:

if you smoke or have smoked and for how long
If there is any history of cancer in your family
if you have worked with diesel, certain chemicals and/or asbestos
When you are talking to your doctor, it can help if you have a written down the symptoms you have experienced, how long you have been having them and how they are impacting on your daily activities. Tell them that you are worried about lung cancer.
Your doctor may arrange for you to have a nose or throat swab test to check if your symptoms are related to COVID-19. If the test is negative, and they think that your ongoing symptoms need to be investigated, they may refer you for further tests. The first step may be going for an X-ray or a CT scan.
If your symptoms do not suggest a possible COVID-19 infection, and your doctor has concerns that need to be followed up, they will refer you for further tests.
Wherever possible, any investigations for lung cancer and subsequent treatment and care will follow current national guidelines. Increasingly, the NHS should be offering a near-normal cancer services except that there will be extensive measures in place to make sure people are not exposed to the virus when they come to the hospital.
As the pandemic becomes more manageable, cancer services are, where possible, returning to normal in many areas. Many health authorities are managing their services by having “COVID-19 free” sites or areas for treatment and care services to enable those services to be provided and to reduce risk of infection.
Safety will always remain a high priority, and decisions about the timing and location of tests, assessments and treatment will be made while weighing up possible risk from COVID-19.

I need to go for an X-ray or a CT scan – should I be worried about COVID-19?

If you have been referred for an X-ray or a CT scan, it is because your doctor believes it is essential to follow up on symptoms you have told them about. It is good to have these tests as soon as possible as they can either rule out lung cancer or diagnose it earlier when more can be done.
Hospitals and other medical facilities are arranging reception and waiting areas to maximise people’s safety with social distancing measures in place. Your attendance for an X-ray or scan and any associated risks will have been considered against potential risks to your health of not having the procedures.
Travelling to and from your appointment you should use your own transport, or use public transport following current distancing guidelines. You may also choose to travel by taxi. If your hospital provides the service, you may be able to use hospital transport.
While you are in hospital, you will notice staff using protective equipment such as face masks, gown and eye protectors. You may be asked to wear a mask at times during your treatment. This is all for your safety and that of the staff caring for you.
People with lung cancer are in a group “at risk” of being seriously unwell if infected by coronavirus (COVID-19). The NHS has to manage testing for and diagnosing possible lung cancer alongside a risk of infection from the virus.

Any information provided on diseases is intended for the purpose of providing general information to the public and under no circumstances can it substitute the advice of a doctor or other competent health professional.