People with breast or gynecologic cancer may be at increased risk for COVID-19. This may be because of the cancer itself or due to cancer treatment weakening the immune system and making them more susceptible, or because they have more encounters with the healthcare system. Elisa R. Port, MD, Director of the Dubin Breast Center and Chief of Breast Surgery for The Mount Sinai Hospital, and Stephanie V. Blank, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology for the Mount Sinai Health Stem and Director of Women’s Health at the Blavatnik Family- Chelsea Medical Center at Mount Sinai, discuss what you need to know about breast and gynecologic cancer and COVID-19.
Is it safe to go to my oncology appointment?
Dr. Blank: Whether you should keep your appointment depends on the purpose of the visit. If you are having a routine mammogram or an annual check-up, you may be able to reschedule your appointment for later. It is a matter of weighing the risks and benefits of going to the appointment with possibly exposing yourself to the virus. Talk with your doctor to see what he or she recommends.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people do not go to the doctor for non-essential appointments. They want to protect you from people who might have or be carrying COVID-19. While we do our best to keep our offices as safe as possible, we cannot guarantee that someone who is asymptomatic has not been in the waiting or exam room. That said, we do limit the number of people entering the facility, so waiting rooms are empty and very few patients are on site.
The other question is how to get to the appointment. I would try to avoid public transportation if possible. If you do not have another option, I would encourage you to wear a face mask, carry hand sanitizer, wash your hands frequently, and be careful about what you touch. You would also want to distance yourself from people. Luckily, public transportation is a lot less crowded than usual, so it should be easier than usual to keep your distance from others.
Why did my doctor cancel my appointment?
Dr. Blank: If your doctor cancelled your appointment, chances are your doctor considered the reason for the appointment and the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and determined that the benefits of the appointment did not outweigh the risks. But, if you are concerned, contact your doctor and ask. The first question is whether the appointment was cancelled altogether or delayed for a period.
If you really want to talk to your doctor sooner rather than later, telehealth is an option in most health care systems. This allows you to discuss your concerns with your doctor without physically being in the same space. If your doctor does not have telehealth capabilities, try setting up a telephone conversation.
I think I might have COVID-19. What do I do?
Dr. Port: If you develop symptoms that suggest COVID-19, such as cough, fever or difficulty breathing, you should call your doctor. Discuss these symptoms with your doctor and get his or her advice. Availability of COVID-19 testing varies across the county, so your ability to be tested will depend on where you are. In addition to talking to your doctor, you should isolate yourself in your home to avoid possibly spreading the virus. Keep away from others in your home to protect them as well. Your doctor should be able to provide additional advice.