April 21, 2020
An Urgent Message from the Japanese Society of Cancer Nursing (JSCN): Assurance ofthe Quality of Cancer/Nursing Care and the Protection of People’s Lives and Dignity
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a global disaster. People around the world
are now fighting the COVID-19 threat. Cancer patients who are receiving intensive treatment
may be at an increased risk for COVID-19. If infected, they may require systemic management
or even a temporary discontinuance in cancer treatment. In addition, the collapse of medicalservices may occur in hospitals that are too stretched to respond to COVID-19. With theattention needed for combatting COVID-19, it may become difficult to provide complete cancercare. In fact, patients have reported not being able to undergo tests to confirm the definitive
diagnosis of cancer or scheduled surgery. At present, business as usual is difficult for many
hospitals. Nurses involved in cancer care recognize that efforts must be made to provide
necessary care based on medical evidence and compassion for all cancer patients.
The Japanese Society of Cancer Nursing (JSCN) aims to ensure “the quality of cancer/nursing
care and protect people’s lives and dignity.” During the COVID-19 crisis, the JSCN is exploring
effective measures for combatting infectious diseases, providing cancer care, and adhering tonursing norms based on compassion for humanity and medical evidence. To this end, the JSCN
issues the following urgent message to our members, nurses, healthcare professionals,
medical/health facilities, local and central governments, and society regarding the need forcollaboration and cooperation.
1.

It is our sincere hope that cancer patients at high risk for infections continue cancer
treatment while following measures to prevent COVID-19 infection (e.g., washing hands,
adhering to recommended physical distancing guidelines, staying home, and obtaining
adequate nutrition and sleep). Accordingly, the JSCN collaborates and cooperates withrelevant academic societies and organizations to ensure that patients receive safe andoptimal medical care based on infection prevention measures through the comprehensive
process of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, as well as the dissemination of
information and recommendations to society (https://jscn.or.jp/index.html).

2.

The threat of infection may cause considerable stress for cancer patients and their families
and fears regarding delays in cancer treatment, disease progression, and death. In
cooperation with relevant academic societies and organizations, the JSCN will consider
counseling services and provide practical support to cancer patients and their families.

3.

Frontline healthcare providers continue to provide optimal medical and nursing care while
suffering from threats of infection, significant stress, and excessive physical and emotionalburdens. Improvements in the working environment are urgently needed, along with alogistic support system and mental/physical support system so that healthcare professionals
will not become infected or physically and mentally overwhelmed by their sense ofmission. The JSCN requests that central and local governments strengthen their logistic andmental support systems in response to COVID-19 measures while acknowledging our rolein collaborating and cooperating with relevant academic societies and organizations.

4.

The pathology of COVID-19 is unknown, and there is not enough evidence forcomprehensive diagnoses, treatment, or nursing care. It is imperative that academicorganizations thoroughly analyze and study COVID-19 from all aspects and develop
measures to prevent an infection explosion. The JSCN will continue collecting and tracking
data from a specialized perspective and conduct research regarding cancer nursing forpatients’ treatment and activities of daily living.

A global crisis cannot be beaten alone. The JSCN would like to send the message that “we arenot alone” as we work together to overcome this crisis.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Hiroko Komatasu
President of the Japanese Society of Cancer Nursing