Health Link
Healthy living after treatment of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer

COVID-19 and Cancer Survivors: What Do I Need to Know?
The COVID-19 virus that has spread across the world has caused worry for everyone. For survivors of childhood, adolescent,and young adult cancers, we know that the worry may be even higher. Here are answers to some general questions you may
be asking. For specific questions about your own health, talk to your health care provider.

As a cancer survivor, am I at increased risk for developing COVID-19?
Current information suggests that your cancer history alone does not increase your risk for developing COVID-19



However, you may have increased risk for contracting COVID-19 if you have lowered immunity due to:­Certain health conditions, such as chronic graft-versus-host disease­

Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medications used to treat
autoimmune diseases (for example, asthma, lupus, and arthritis) or medications that prevent or treat graftor organ rejection (for example, after bone marrow or solid organ transplant)­

Current or recent (within the past 6 months) treatment with chemotherapy

You can protect yourself by taking precautions to lessen your chance of exposure, and by getting the vaccine as soonas you are able.

As a cancer survivor, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, you should strongly consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible for it.

A small number of people are allergic to one of the vaccine components. If you have had a severe allergic reaction topolyethylene glycol (PEG) or to polysorbate, check with your health care provider to determine which formulation of
the vaccine is best for you.

How can I protect myself from getting infected with COVID-19?
Until you are fully vaccinated, you should follow strict precautions to lower your chance of infection:­ Keep a safe distance (3 to 6 feet) between you and other people, if at all possible­ Wear a mask when around unvaccinated people outside of your household­ Avoid social gatherings and crowds of people­ Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces­ Stay away from anyone who is sick
­ Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.

 Continue to follow COVID-19 precautions as advised by your national and/or local authorities, even after you are
fully vaccinatedCopyright 2021 © Children’s Oncology Group. All rights reserved worldwide

Survivors and COVID-19 | Revised June 17, 2021 | Page 1 of 3

Health Link
Healthy living after treatment of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer

As a cancer survivor, am I at increased risk for complications if I get
COVID-19?
There is currently limited information available about cancer survivors who have developed COVID-19 infection

Based on what is known about other viral respiratory illnesses, it is likely that survivors who have chronic healthconditions affecting the heart or lungs may be at higher risk for complications if they develop COVID-19 infection.
These include conditions such as:­ Pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring) or chronic lung disease­ Cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle) or coronary artery diseaseIt is also possible that survivors who received treatments that may damage the heart or lungs may be at increased
risk for complications if they develop COVID-19 infection. These treatments include:­ Anthracycline chemotherapy (such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin)­ Bleomycin, busulfan, carmustine, or lomustine chemotherapy­ Radiation involving the heart or lungs, including total body irradiation (TBI) and radiation to the chest, axilla,abdomen, or spineIn addition, based on what is known in the general population, certain health conditions may increase the risk forcomplications related to COVID-19 infection. These include conditions such as:­ Chronic kidney disease­

Overweight or obesity­ Chronic lung disease­Pregnancy­ Diabetes (type I or type II)­

Sickle cell disease or thalassemia­ Down syndrome­

Smoking or vaping­ Heart disease­

Stroke or cerebrovascular disease­ High blood pressure (hypertension)­

Substance use disorders

­ HIV

­

Being over the age of 65 years­ Liver disease

If you have any of these conditions, it is important that you take steps to keep them well controlled. If you arerunning low on any of your medications for these condition(s), contact your health care provider for refills.

What should I do if I am not feeling well and think that I may have COVID-19?
 In non-emergency situations, call ahead for medical advice before visiting your health care provider or hospital, sothat you can determine what next steps are needed Be sure to tell your health care provider that you are a cancer survivor
 If you have chronic health conditions that may increase your risk for complications related to COVID-19 infection (forexample, heart or lung problems, or diabetes), be sure to tell your health care providerCopyright 2021 © Children’s Oncology Group. All rights reserved worldwide

Survivors and COVID-19 | Revised June 17, 2021 | Page 2 of 3

Health Link
Healthy living after treatment of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer

 If you have been told that the cancer treatment you received places you at high risk for lung or heart problems (suchas from chest radiation or certain chemotherapies), be sure to tell your health care provider
 Bring your cancer treatment summary with you if you are told to go to the clinic or hospitalIs there anything else I can do?
 We recognize that this is a stressful time for everyone
 COVID-19 information continues to change frequently Please talk to your health care provider about any questions or worries you may have during this time

Additional health information for childhood cancer survivors is available atwww.survivorshipguidelines.org
Note: Throughout this Health Links series, the term “childhood cancer” is used to designate pediatric cancers that may occur during childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. Health
Links are designed to provide health information for survivors of pediatric cancer, regardless of whether the cancer occurred during childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood.
Disclaimer and Notice of Proprietary Rights
Introduction to Late Effects Guidelines and Health Links: The Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancers and accompanying Health Links were developed by
the Children’s Oncology Group as a collaborative effort of the Late Effects Committee and Nursing Discipline and are maintained and updated by the Children’s Oncology Group’s Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines
Core Committee and its associated Task Forces.
To cancer patients (if children, their parents or legal guardians): Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition and do not rely on the Informational Content. The Children’s Oncology Group is a research organization and does not provide individualized medical care or treatment.
To physicians and other healthcare providers: The Informational Content is not intended to replace your independent clinical judgment, medical advice, or to exclude other legitimate
criteria for screening, health counseling, or intervention for specific complications of childhood cancer treatment. Neither is the Informational Content intended to exclude otherreasonable alternative follow-up procedures. The Informational Content is provided as a courtesy, but not intended as a sole source of guidance in the evaluation of childhood cancer
survivors. The Children’s Oncology Group recognizes that specific patient care decisions are the prerogative of the patient, family, and healthcare provider.
No endorsement of any specific tests, products, or procedures is made by Informational Content, the Children’s Oncology Group, or affiliated party or member of the Children’s Oncology Group.
No Claim to Accuracy or Completeness: While the Children’s Oncology Group has made every attempt to assure that the Informational Content is accurate and complete as of the date of publication, no warranty orrepresentation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, relevance, or timeliness of such Informational Content.
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Copyright 2021 © Children’s Oncology Group. All rights reserved worldwide

Survivors and COVID-19 | Revised June 17, 2021 | Page 3 of 3