The coronavirus cases around the globe are at 2,995,757, with 207,022 deaths reported and 881,845 recoveries. The virus outbreak that began in 2019 continues to cause casualties, while health experts around the globe are extensively working on developing a vaccine and simpler test kits [1].
Researchers and health experts are ardently focused on studying the novel coronavirus, where new findings and understanding help in the better management of the diseases, and also pave way for a possible effective vaccine.
By focusing on the reported symptoms and risk factors, researchers are carrying out symptoms related studies, where factors such as obesity, smoking, diabetes, air pollution etc. have been explored. Recently, researchers have explored the link between COVID-19 and breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common type of non-skin cancer. In India alone, more than 1 million cases of breast cancer are reported every year. According to the most recent report, around 252, 710 new diagnoses are expected in women, and around 40,610 women are likely to die from the disease .
Breast cancer is not exclusive to women, as it can affect men too. More than 9,500 people seek breast cancer care each year and nearly 1,500 people undergo breast cancer surgery each year .
According to reports, the symptoms of the coronavirus infection may be more severe in a person with breast cancer . A person undergoing cancer treatment will have a weakened immune system, as a result of the treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and radiation .
In most people, a weakened immune system can regenerate and recover with a few months time. So, people who are currently undergoing cancer treatment and people who completed it very recently are at increased risk of infection . In addition to this, people who require hospital visits for treatment are also at an increased risk due to the possible exposure to patients suffering from the coronavirus infection.
Risks Related To COVID-19 And Breast Cancer
Here are the other ways that breast cancer can increase risks associated with the new coronavirus.
- Elevation of risks associated with coronavirus infection – reportedly more in people with breast cancer that has spread to the lungs .
- Lack of prescription drug availability, that is, some people may have difficulty getting palliative prescriptions.
- Isolation because people with breast cancer may need to isolate themselves to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
- Delay in surgeries and treatment.
Precautions For People With Breast Cancer
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap . Especially before eating, after using the bathroom, before touching the face, after any contact with people outside of one’s household and after touching any public surfaces.
- If any symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, a dry cough, and difficulty breathing, contact a doctor immediately.
- Stay home whenever possible and if a hospital visit is necessary, call ahead and inform.
Call a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of an infection, such as a fever or a persistent cough, have trouble breathing, chest pain, or shortness of breath and cancer symptoms worsening .