Keep Your Immune System Strong
- The Covid pandemic presents risks both for surgical cancer patients and those getting chemotherapy
- Both can impair a patient’s immune response
- There are lifestyle steps you can take to help boost your immunity including a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and physical activity
Oncologists who treat ovarian cancer are adapting, and most patients’ treatments are continuing uninterrupted, but that doesn’t mean doctors don’t have special concerns. Dr. Saketh Guntupalli, chief of gynecologic oncology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine at Denver, says that there are risks for both surgical patients and those receiving chemotherapy, as both medical treatments can weaken the immune system.
Read More• Getting enough healthy, restful sleep. Try for 7-8 hours of good quality sleep nightly.
• Not smoking.
• Avoiding foods that cause inflammation (simple sugars found in products such as cookies, cakes, candies, and soda)
• Eating a nutrient-rich diet of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats
• Striving for daily physical activity. During the pandemic choose exercises that can be done in and around the home such as push-ups and other calisthenics, short walks, indoor treadmills and stationery bicycles.
Despite the changes to cancer care necessitated by the pandemic, and the fact that many patients may have to check in with their doctors via tele-health visits at least temporarily, the oncologists SurvivorNet regularly consults assure us that cancer care isn't being compromised. In cities and hospitals that have been harder hit by the virus some doctors are delaying up-front surgery and giving patient a few more courses of chemotherapy until it's safer for them to undergo procedures. Or else they may be delaying chemotherapy or maintenance treatments like Avastin "so that patients don't have to come into the hospital to have labs done and get infusions, and potentially be exposed."
Other doctors tell SurvivorNet that they're being very thoughtful and careful about the type of chemotherapy they recommend. "We're fortunate that there are various treatment regimens that may decrease the risk of immune suppression, and that we can alter the chemo doses during this period of time," one doctor said.
If you're a newly diagnosed patient or you're undergoing treatment, speak with your provider to discuss the best approach for you, in the city where you live. At the end of the day, it's about informed decision making, and discussing potential risks (or benefits). Speak with your doctor, also, about specific lifestyle steps you can take to keep your immune system as strong as possible to ward off infection with the coronavirus.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.