Despite easing if provincial restrictions, in health care settings the visitor restrictions, and safety measures remain in place at this time.

The patients we serve are still vulnerable to contracting COVID -19 and experiencing its worst effects. We know how important it is that patients have their biggest supporters around then and we place a priority on meeting that need while protecting the health of patients in our care.

We hope to answer your questions in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

If you have any questions about COVID-19 talk with your cancer care team or visit the COVID-19 information site.

 

Visit the Government of Nova Scotia COVID-19 website to learn the latest ways to help protect yourself.

If you are currently having treatment for cancer or living with someone who is currently having treatment for cancer, here are some extra steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Wear a mask if you are in public areas where it is difficult to adhere to social distancing.
• Ask someone else to run your errands, such as grocery and prescription pick up,   so
  you do not have to go out in public. You may also be able to have things delivered to your house.
• Always practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet (2 metres) away from anyone you do not live with.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick or at the risk of being exposed to COVID-19.
• Be as healthy as you can. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, exercise and manage
   your stress.
• Stop smoking.

o Tobacco-Free Nova Scotia offers personalized and non-judgmental support to help you quit and stay quit. Whether you are thinking about quitting or having some setbacks, trained counsellors can help you each step of the way. All services are free and confidential. You can find out all about the supports offered at Tobacco-Free N.S. on their website at https://tobaccofree.novascotia.ca/

If you have a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher and/or develop a new cough or shortness of breath go directly to the Emergency Department (ED). For any other symptoms, during the regular work week, call your cancer team. During the weekend or after hours, contact 811 via phone or online at 811.novascotia.ca/

 

If you develop a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, a new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose or headache and it is during the regular workweek, call your cancer team. During the weekend or after hours, contact 811 via phone or online at 811.novascotia.ca/  

 

If you have a fever greater than 38°C (100.4°F) a new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose or headache, please contact 811 via phone or online at 811.novascotia.ca/

 

If you have previously received Radiation Therapy to the chest (lung or breast) and have tested negative for COVID-19 but still have a cough or shortness of breath and/or fever, please contact your Radiation Oncologist during the regular workweek at 902-473-6067 (Halifax) or 902-567-7771 (Sydney).

 

If you are currently receiving treatment for your cancer, or are being followed by a cancer care team, call your team to let them know you have been tested for COVID-19. Also, call your cancer care team with any COVID-19 test results.

 

If you have been tested for COVID-19 and are waiting for results, you should monitor yourself for symptoms (self-monitor) and self-isolate at home. You should receive a call from Public Health once your test results are known. For more information on self-monitoring and self-isolation, please visit the Government of Nova Scotia COVID-19 website.

Patients, visitors, and essential support people must wear a non-medical mask when in hospitals and other health care facilities.

When worn properly, non-medical masks can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. Your mask can be a commercial non-medical mask or a homemade mask that covers your nose and mouth.

Detailed information on provincial mask requirements can be found at novascotia.ca/coronavirus/masks .

Before your appointment, your care team will phone you to ask questions about your health. We may ask some patients to wait in a separate room or to reschedule until they are feeling better if they have symptoms.

 

We are also taking extra steps to clean and disinfect surfaces throughout hospitals and clinics. We provide hand sanitizers throughout all hospitals and can provide masks to patients who have respiratory symptoms such as cough.

 

 

We are committed to you and your care during this challenging time.

• Some appointments may be by phone or video. This will reduce the need for you to go out into public.
• You will need to wear a medical mask provided to you during your appointment.
• You will see hospital and cancer care staff wearing masks and other protective equipment.
• We ask that you arrive at your scheduled appointment on time but not early.
• We ask you to sit 6 feet (2 meters) apart from other patients in the waiting areas.
• If you need American Sign Language or language service interpreters for your  appointment, please call your cancer care team before your appointment.

 

 

In Nova Scotia, people who have been treated with certain drugs for cancer such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted agents during the last year are eligible for a third dose of COVID 19 vaccine to complete their vaccination course

Getting a third dose of vaccine might help better protect you.

Cancer patients and their families may have questions about receiving a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Please see out pamphlet on this topic for more information.

Booster Doses of COVID-19 vaccine are also being offered to Nova Scotians, including people with cancer. These doses are in addition to the third dose for immunocompromised patients. 

If you have questions about receiving COVID-19 booster vaccines, you can go to Coronavirus (COVID-19): vaccine - Government of Nova Scotia, Canada to check eligibility and book booster doses.

 

During the pandemic, community pharmacies in Nova Scotia may experience increased prescription requests, may be working with less staff and reduced hours. This means you may have to wait longer to have your prescription filled. 

 

These steps will assist you to fill your prescription:

For questions about your prescriptions, please contact your community pharmacy and ask to speak to a pharmacist. 

 

It is understandable to feel anxious and concerned at this time given the current situation. You can help yourself by:

Other supports which are not cancer patient specific but may be helpful: 

Yes. Stopping tobacco use increases the effectiveness of cancer treatment by between 30 and 40 percent.  This means quitting or trying to quit smoking and other kinds of tobacco use is important for cancer patients at any time.  

 

Many cancer patients have weaker immune systems due to the cancer itself, or because of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For this reason, cancer patients may be at increased risk to develop COVID-19. Research suggests that those who develop COVID-19 and smoke may have more severe symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic is another reason to try to quit smoking.    

 

For support to reduce or quit tobacco:

Tobacco-Free Nova Scotia offers personalized and non-judgmental support to help you quit and stay quit. Whether you are thinking about quitting or having some setbacks, trained counsellors can help you each step of the way. All services are free and confidential. You can find out all about the supports offered at Tobacco-Free N.S. on their website at https://tobaccofree.novascotia.ca/ 

 

Additional support information on smoking cessation for cancer patients is located on the Nova Scotia Health library guides page. https://library.nshealth.ca/Cancer/StoppingTobaccoUse

COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that can cause mild to severe infections in the lungs. Like other viruses, it can lead to serious infections for people with weakened immune systems. COVID-19 may cause more severe infections than other viruses. We do not have a vaccine to help control its spread, but researchers are working to develop one.

The virus can spread easily, just like the common cold or flu. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes droplets that can get into the eyes, nose, or mouth of people nearby. Droplets also land on surfaces that people touch before touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth.