Are cancer patients more likely to get sick or die from COVID-19?
It is possible that cancer patients are at a higher risk of more severe symptoms because of their lowered immune system due to medications and treatment. During chemotherapy, there will be times during a patient’s treatment cycle when they are at increased risk of infection. Adults and children with serious chronic health conditions, including cancer, are at higher risk of developing more serious complications from contagious illnesses such as COVID-19.
What can cancer patients do to protect themselves?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 or specific treatment for it. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Precautions for avoiding COVID-19 are the same as for other contagious respiratory illnesses, such as influenza (flu).
- Avoid large social gatherings and close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid unnecessary person-to-person contact, such as handshakes
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; and before and after coming in contact with others
- Get a flu vaccine
CDC recommends additional actions to help keep people at high risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 healthy in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, including:
- Stay home as much as possible
- Make sure you have access to several weeks of medication and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time
- When you do go out in public, avoid crowds
- Avoid cruise ship travel and nonessential air travel
Is Cancer Care Northwest still open for patient care?
Yes. At this time, all 8 main CCNW clinics are open regular business hours. Our 4 outreach clinics in Colville, Chewelah, Moses Lake and Ritzville are closed until further notice. We want to ensure that all of our patients continue to receive their cancer treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic, and therefore we have not reduced the operating hours at our main clinics. Our providers are committed to providing patients with the necessary care they need.
What is the status of CCNW cancer treatment and services?
Cancer Care Northwest is here to provide our community with the best cancer treatment, even in a time like this. Our full range of services, including medical, radiation and surgical oncology treatment options and as well as clinical trials are available now. Cancer does not stop for COVID-19, and treatment is essential for our patients. We know that some cancer treatments can be safely delayed, while others cannot. In some situations, it may be more appropriate to reschedule or convert an appointment to a telehealth visit, please know that each appointment is evaluated on an individual basis by the provider and patient. The risk of missing a cancer treatment or medical appointment must be weighed against the possibility of exposing a patient to infection.
What is CCNW doing to protect patients and staff?
At Cancer Care Northwest, we are taking the threat of the Covid-19 virus very seriously. We have implemented new protocols and procedures to help minimize health risks to patients, staff and the community including:
- Patient Self-Screening: We ask that patients self-screen for the following symptoms before coming in for an appointment:
Most common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Tiredness
Less common symptoms:
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
- runny nose
- nausea
Serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Loss of speech of movement
If patients have any of the above symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that they PLEASE call CCNW at (509) 228-1000 prior to their scheduled appointment so that we can evaluate their symptoms.
- Front Entrance Patient Screening: Each of our clinics has a single point of entry, with mandatory screening of all patients, caregivers, and visitors. Upon arrival, patients can expect to be asked if they are experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms, and have their temperature taken. At that point, there are three paths:
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Patients may be allowed to proceed with their appointment, but will be required to wear the mask throughout the duration of their time at CCNW.
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Patients may be directed to go to an Urgent Care or Emergency Department.
- Phone-in Patient Check-in for Radiation Oncology Patients: Due to high patient volumes and small waiting rooms, we are kindly asking all patients receiving radiation treatment to please wait in their cars upon arrival. When they arrive at a clinic, they’re advised to please park, stay in their car, and call us to let us know they have arrived. CCNW will call them when we are ready for them to come in for treatment.
- Telehealth Virtual Appointments: We are continually expanding telehealth appointment options to assist in caring for patients remotely, when clinically appropriate. Patients currently scheduled for appointments, as well as new patient appointment requests, are triaged based on clinical assessments to determine whether patients should be seen in clinic, via telephone, or via telehealth – or whether their appointments should be deferred.
- No Visitor Policy: At this time, we strongly encourage our patients to not bring visitors to all future appointments. Exceptions to this will continue to be for elderly, handicapped, or patients who need a caregiver or family member to help coordinate their care. These visitors are required to wear a mask throughout the duration of their time at CCNW.
- Protective Measures for all CCNW Staff: We are going above and beyond to ensure that our employees are properly protected from being exposed to COVID-19, including:
- All CCNW physicians and clinicians have been provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) above and beyond the CDC’s current recommendations, including N95 masks, protective eye wear goggles, and face shields.
- All CCNW employees who are not required to be onsite are working remotely to reduce person-to-person contact.
- We have implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting measures within all CCNW clinics.
How to make a referral to Cancer Care Northwest
We understand that this is a very difficult and stressful time for our community. Cancer Care Northwest remains committed to providing patients with the best cancer care. Thank you for choosing Cancer Care Northwest as a partner in the treatment of your patient. We are in this together!
Prior to faxing medical records, please contact us at 509-228-1000 and ask to speak with a scheduler. This ensures that we receive all necessary documentation and delivery of records.
