Cancer in the COVID Crisis Seminar on reducing patient impact – The current spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has a wide impact. Almost all types of businesses have to stall. Including various medical facilities Making the mechanism of the public health system Medical services Medical personnel And resources Limited Affect the overall management
Due to the rapid decline in medical supplies And the shortage of medical equipment The number of patient beds decreased. In the global medical industry They have adapted medical science to cope with the COVID situation, such as a drive-through test service to detect COVID-19. Or even the choice of using various applications For social distancing to reduce the risk of infection
Although COVID-19 Most have symptoms That is not serious and does not affect life But the infection for those in the high-risk group can be severe. And may eventually lead to death One of the people at risk is cancer patients, which is considered a disease requiring treatment and medication. Continuously Or see a doctor according to the doctor’s prescription cycle
Situation of the COVID-19 outbreak Directly affect healthcare workers And cancer patients around the world Especially in the Asian region, in some countries there are a number of people who have received treatment. Including a significant reduction in cancer screening
From the collection of data from the Cancer Institute National University of Singapore (NCIS) between February and March 2021 showed a 9% drop in First Consultation visits and a drop in Follow-up Consultation. 30%, although these numbers have recovered, according to a survey of 480 cancer surgeons across India. It was estimated that 192,000 people would postpone their cancer diagnosis in a timely manner. Including a free Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer every year, it was reduced by 75%.
Prof. Cheung Wiju Director of the Cancer Institute National University of Singapore (NCIS) said during the New Normal online panel, Same Cancer, that healthcare services across Asia have been adapted to the COVID-19 crisis. By new styles and innovations In healthcare applications to maintain the effectiveness of services, procedures are used in cancer clinics. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 Including introducing patients to See a doctor in person when necessary. Making the general public and the sick Including those who recovered from cancer have confidence Is the key In building confidence to come back to be screened and received Proper treatment
side Asst. Prof. Naiyarat Prasongsuk, MD. Internal Oncology Phramongkutklao Hospital Comment that For that country In the past, it has been possible to cope with the COVID-19 situation. Effectively Public health system Medical services Medical personnel Have a good deal Including patients themselves are adapted, especially patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and even if cancer is not an infectious disease. But if the lack of proper treatment and Continuing on, it may lead to disease progression, severe symptoms, or complications, leading to death.
Each type of cancer is different. But every cancer needs ongoing treatment. The treating physician is therefore required to individually consider the patient and the stage of disease distribution, such as prioritizing treatment urgency or requiring a doctor’s visit, for example, in early-stage patients, the aim is to cure completely. It is therefore necessary to put the first priority in order not to delay treatment, in most cases surgery can be performed. Convenient adjustment of dosing methods for both doctors and nurses Most of them are patients who follow up with symptoms such as those in breast cancer. The first phase of taking drugs against hormone receptors Will be able to prescribe drugs by mail To avoid visiting the hospital and reducing Minimum time required to stay in the hospital And counseling for patients with Use technology to help, such as telemedicine or doctor consultation through online video systems at many. The hospital has prepared
For patients who cannot Hospital visits can be avoided, for example, in patients who need chemotherapy, and this affects survival rates, but when they arrive at the hospital, all steps are taken as a One Stop Service to take time to complete. Minimal hospital stay and less waiting. “
“Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 epidemic situation That happened around the world Doctors need to communicate and understand a lot with patients. To continually monitor symptoms and treatment To prevent the spread of the disease Or complications Until leading to death For the patients themselves, they must take care of their own health strictly. Follow the advice of the treatment team. And monitor the symptoms of the disease periodically Do not lack treatment And contact with the treatment team Continuously in order to get the most effective treatment, “Dr. Naiyat concluded.
Mr. Lee – Supawan Kongwattana One of the participants “Lung cancer” In the last stage, she described her experience in taking care of herself during the COVID-19 epidemic, saying that in the past lockdown, doctors prescribe and home-take medications. There was no need to travel to the hospital and all 45 days alone was at home. Avoid traveling and meeting with family and other people. To prevent COVID-19 infection After the situation improved, the doctor was able to Can return to the hospital However, the hospital that treated the treatment area was strictly divided. Since the separation of the elevator
“Currently living with cancer with good encouragement and taking good care of myself. Both the follow-up and receiving treatment continuously Exercise Taking care of food And mental health care, which I believe in how good the drug will be How expensive Did not fight to live with good encouragement Today, it is dedicated to providing advice to people with concerns, including cancer patients and their caregivers. Must believe in the treatment system of modern medicine And with the innovative technologies that surround us, the chances of recovering from cancer greatly depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Or if not fully cured We will be able to live with cancer with a good quality of life. “
For the New Normal Same Cancer campaign, this online discussion was created in collaboration with AstraZeneca with Cancer specialist Policymakers group And patient groups To campaign to raise awareness of the importance of Access to treatment of cancer patients Especially patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Treatment is suspended during the COVID-19 epidemic situation. Severe in the past to come back Continued treatment And patients with a tendency or the possibility of developing cancer to undergo periodic screening or check for effective and timely treatment.
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