What to Ask Your Health Care Team

Here are some questions people with cancer might want to ask their health care team about coronavirus.

For all people with cancer or a history of cancer, and people facing a possible cancer diagnosis:

  • In my situation, how can I prevent getting coronavirus?
  • Am I at higher risk of getting coronavirus or COVID-19? Why or why not?
  • Is there a specific type of doctor I should be asking to see now?
  • What symptoms of COVID-19 should I watch for?
  • What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
  • If I get tested and I’m positive for coronavirus, what will happen?
  • If I get tested and I’m negative for coronavirus, what should I do if I still don’t feel well?
  • Will this outbreak or my coronavirus test result delay or affect my care in any way?
  • Is telehealth available so I get care virtually or be seen by a doctor over the internet?

For people getting ready to have exams, tests, or surgery for cancer:

  • Will having this procedure put me at a higher risk of getting coronavirus or COVID-19? Why or why not?
  • Is it necessary for me to have the procedure now or is it safe to wait?
  • Do you think I should delay this procedure? If so, for how long?
  • Is there a chance the hospital or facility will cancel my procedure? What are my options if it's canceled? Can I have the procedure somewhere else?
  • Can I bring a family member or friend with me? Can people visit me? Can I visit other people?
  • Is telehealth available so I get care virtually or be seen by a doctor over the internet?
  • Will this outbreak delay any results from the procedure?

For people getting ready to start cancer treatment:

  • Will treatment put me at a higher risk of getting coronavirus or COVID-19? Why or why not?
  • Is there a chance I can be exposed to coronavirus when I come in for treatment?
  • Is it necessary to start treatment now or is it safe to wait? How long is OK to wait?
  • Do you think I should delay starting treatment?
  • Is there a chance the treatment center will cancel my scheduled treatment? What are my options if it’s canceled? Is there another treatment center where I can get treatment?
  • Can I bring a family member or friend with me to treatment?
  • Can I go to work? Should my caregiver go to work?
  • Can I visit friends? Can friends and relatives visit me?
  • Are there special precautions I should take after treatment begins?
  • Is telehealth available so I get care virtually or be seen by a doctor over the internet?
  • Can I get care, treatment, or bloodwork at home?

For people currently getting cancer treatment:

  • Does my treatment put me at higher risk of getting coronavirus or COVID-19? Why or why not?
  • Is there a chance I will be exposed to coronavirus when I come in for treatment?
  • Do I need to wear a mask or gloves at home when I’m around my family and other people?
  • How much do I need to stay at home? Can I run errands like going to the store?
  • Can I go to work? Should my caregiver go to work?
  • Can I visit friends? Can friends and relatives visit me?
  • Should I take my treatment now? Will it put me more at risk?
  • Are there medicines I can take during treatment to lessen my risk?
  • Do you think I should delay my treatment? If so, for how long?
  • What precautions do I need to take when I come in for treatment or check-ups?
  • Can I bring a family member or friend with me to treatment or check-ups?
  • Should I continue treatment or keep my appointments if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
  • Will I need to be seen more frequently now?
  • Will I need to have more frequent labs or exams now?
  • Is there a chance the treatment center will cancel my scheduled treatment? What are my options if it’s canceled? Is there another treatment center where I can get treatment?
  • Can I get care, treatment, or bloodwork at home?
  • Is telehealth available so I get care virtually or be seen by a doctor over the internet?
  • If I miss a treatment, what will happen? Are there other treatment options?

For people who are not currently getting treatment or who have finished treatment:

  • Am I still at higher risk of getting coronavirus or COVID-19? Why or why not?
  • Are there special precautions I should be taking? If so, for how long?
  • How much do I need to stay at home? Can I run errands like going to the store?
  • Can I go to work? Should my caregiver go to work?
  • Can I wait to come for follow-up tests or appointments until a later time?
  • Is there a chance I can be exposed to coronavirus if I come for follow-up tests or appointments?
  • Do you think I should I delay my upcoming check-up, follow-up test, or cancer screening?
  • Is there a chance my upcoming check-up, follow-up test, or cancer screening will be canceled? What will happen if it’s canceled? Can I get it somewhere else?
  • Can I reschedule a check-up, follow-up test, or cancer screening? If so, when should I reschedule it?
  • Is telehealth available so I get care virtually or be seen by a doctor over the internet?
  • Will this outbreak delay any test results?

 

 

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Posted in Blog Posts, COVID-19.