Cancer and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

For adult patients only. For children and teens, refer to the IWK Health Centre Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Immunocompromised Patients COVID Information Sheet.

The Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program understands that Nova Scotians having cancer treatment, cancer survivors and their families and friends may have questions about the outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you are undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system may not be as strong as it is normally. You may feel concerned about the risks associated with COVID-19 and how it may affect your cancer care plans.

Despite easing of provincial restriction, the patients we serve are still vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and experiencing it’s effects.

Your Cancer Care Team is working very hard to keep you safe and follow recommendations from Public Health. We will contact you if your upcoming appointment can be rescheduled or changed to a phone or video appointment. This will reduce the need for you to go out into public. 

If you are having any cancer related symptoms call your cancer care team. 

Isn’t COVID over? Why does the hospital still have COVID-19 restrictions?

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.

 

How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

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/

I feel sick and am worried it might be COVID-19. What should I do?

Cancer Patients on Systemic Therapy with Yellow or Orange Alert Card 
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/
 
Other Cancer Patients currently receiving Radiation or Systemic Therapy treatment without Yellow or Orange Alert Card
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/  
 
Patients with Cancer or a History of Cancer and Not Currently on Treatment
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 having difficulty breathing or any symptoms that you are unable to manage at home, please go directly to the Emergency Department or call 911. 

I have been tested for COVID-19. What should I do now?

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.

I have cancer, should I wear a mask when I come to the hospital?

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 .

Can I bring someone with me to my cancer care appointment?

How will the cancer system protect me during this time?

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.
 

What should I expect at my cancer care appointment?

 

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.

 

Should I have the seasonal Flu vaccine this year? 

Please take a moment to read the patient information sheet about the importance of having the flu shot this year and when to get it. Don’t hesitate to speak with your health care team and cancer care team about any questions you have.

Should I have the COVID-19 vaccination? 

Cancer patients and their families may have questions about receiving their COVID-19 vaccination. Please see our COVID-19 Vaccination and Cancer FAQ for more information.

 

Do I need to have a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?

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.

 

I have prescriptions that need to be filled. What do I need to know?

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:
  • Ask your health provider if they can faxed or phone your prescription directly to your preferred pharmacy. 
  • Plan ahead. Allow up to 48 hours for community pharmacies to fill your prescriptions. If you would like your medications to be blister packed, allow 72 hours notice.  
  • Ask your pharmacy if they have a delivery service.  This will reduce unnecessary trips.
  • Phone the pharmacy before you pick up your prescription to ensure it is ready. 
For questions about your prescriptions, please contact your community pharmacy and ask to speak to a pharmacist. 
 

I am struggling with worry and anxiety, what can I do, where can I get support?

It is understandable to feel anxious and concerned at this time given the current situation. You can help yourself by:
  • Staying informed by listening to trusted sources of news like the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Government of Nova Scotia and Health Canada.
  • Limiting your time watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media, hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Taking care of your body: Taking slow deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
  • Eating healthy, well-balanced meals, be physically active, get plenty of sleep
  • Avoiding alcohol and drugs.
  • Making time to relax by focusing on yourself and doing activities you enjoy.
  • Connecting with others, talking with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  • Maintaining a sense of hope and keep things in perspective
If you are having a lot of difficulty coping with worry and anxiety, please call the local number below for information and support:
  • Halifax Regional Municipality: 902-240-8129
  • Cape Breton: 902-567-8551
  • Antigonish/Guysborough/Richmond and South Eastern Inverness: 902-863-2830 Ext 4707
  • Yarmouth/Shelburne/Digby: 902-749-1523
  • Lunenburg and Queens County: 902-527-5820 
  • Kings/Annapolis County: 902-690-3700
  • For all other parts of the province call toll-free: 1-866-599-2267
Other supports which are not cancer patient specific but may be helpful: 

Find more information about coping with COVID-19 related stress and anxiety in the Learn More section on this page.

Is quitting or trying to quit smoking important for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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

What if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19? Is there treatment available?

If you are on treatment for cancer and are diagnosed with COVID-19, there may be early treatments for COVID-19 that can help protect you from getting very sick. This medication works best when you start taking it within 5-7 days of having symptoms. Some early treatments you may have heard about include paxlovid, sotrovimab and remdesivir.

If you test positive for COVID-19 using a rapid test or as soon as you book a PCR test, you need to fill out the ‘report and support’ form. You do not need to wait for the result from the PCR test before filling out the form. Do fill out the ‘report and support’ form as soon as possible, to be assessed for early COVID treatments. This includes paxlovid, sotrovimab, and remdesivir.

After you fill out this form, the therapy assessment team will be able to review your information, and you may receive a call from someone on the team. This call will come from a ‘no caller ID’ number. They will ask you some questions to help decide if early treatment is right for you.  

If you are not able to fill out this form online, you can call 1-833-797-7772.

What is COVID-19?

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.

Learn more

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.