Cancer doctors across the country tell SurvivorNet that they are in a state of coronavirus crisis.
In dozens of conversations with oncologists at major cancer centers and regional facilities, doctors tell SurvivorNet that the critical of shortage of basic protective gear is causing chaos and they are downright terrified for their own health. Perhaps just as worrisome, is the idea that oncologists say, in many cases, when it comes to coronavirus and specific cancer treatments, they are flying blind. The reason for this is that all doctors conduct treatment based on specific evidence and data developed in by hard science. When this data doesn’t exist, as is the case right now with COVID-19, it’s very challenging for doctors to know what to tell patients.
Read MoreHowever, again, the really big problem in dealing with immediate treatment questions it that the data simply does not exist.
Help Needed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, one of the world’s preeminent cancer centers, is one of the many hospitals facing shortages. According to Forbes, the hospital held an endowment of nearly $8.5 billion in 2015, but, in part, due to production and distribution delays in China, their surgical mask supply is extremely limited at the moment.
The masks in question are known as N-95 respirator masks, which are used to protect wearers from airborne particles and face contamination. While they are often available at local hardware stores as well as through online retail distributors, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend the general public wear these products to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19.
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