Together we will beat cancer Donate Menu Search Home About cancer General cancer information Coronavirus (COVID-19) Coronavirus (COVID-19) and cancer Coronavirus (COVID-19) and cancer People with cancer and their families might feel especially worried about the virus. Cancer and its treatment can lower your ability to fight infection. What is coronavirus? COVID-19 is an infectious illness caused by a new type of coronavirus. There are several types of coronaviruses. Some cause mild illnesses such as a cold, while others can be more serious and affect your breathing or respiratory system. For most people, the virus won't cause serious problems. But for some people, the virus can have severe complications. Coronavirus mainly spreads from person to person. This happens when someone who has the virus coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings, which releases tiny droplets into the air. These droplets can reach anyone who is nearby, and they can get the virus. Research shows that coronavirus can live up to a few days on stainless steel and plastic surfaces. But the risk of getting the virus from contaminated surfaces is very low. Am I at more risk of becoming unwell because I have cancer? You are at a higher risk of complications if you have cancer. This is because cancer and its treatment can weaken your immune system and reduce your ability to fight infections. The immune system protects your body against illness and infection caused by viruses like coronavirus. Some types of cancer can also lower your ability to fight infection. This is usually cancer that affects your immune system, such as leukaemia or lymphoma . I have cancer and have symptoms of coronavirus The symptoms of coronavirus include: a high temperature of above 37.8C and, or a new continuous cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual) a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (you can't smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal) If you have symptoms of coronavirus or you feel unwell, and you are having cancer treatment or a cancer that affects your immune system, you should first contact: your chemotherapy helpline the Acute Oncology Service at your hospital Your healthcare team will assess you over the phone and might ask you to stay at home. Call 999 immediately if you are feeling very ill. If you have symptoms but you are not having cancer treatment, you can look at the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111. NHS 111 Check your symptoms How do I protect myself from coronavirus if I have cancer ? Some people with cancer are more at risk of being seriously ill if they develop the COVID-19 infection. This is because they have a weakened immune system . They are called clinically extremely vulnerable. Read more about the clinically extremely vulnerable group Current advice The current advice for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable is to follow the same advice as the rest of the population. But to take extra care to protect themselves and follow the advice of their healthcare team. Shielding At the start of the pandemic, clinically extremely vulnerable people had to follow particular measures called shielding. Your GP or healthcare team might ask you to shield again depending on your individual risk and circumstances. COVID-19 Population Risk Assessment Some people might be asked to shield because they have been identified through the COVID-19 Population Risk Assessment. This assessment might show that they are at high risk of serious illness if they catch the virus. Read more about the COVID-19 Population Risk Assessment If you are unsure what treatment you're having and whether you are clinically extremely vulnerable, speak to the team caring for you. Read more about the current advice and about shielding for clinically extremely vulnerable people I have cancer but I’m not in one of the vulnerable groups If you are not in one of the above vulnerable groups, you should follow guidance for the rest of the population. This can help to reduce your risk of catching and spreading the coronavirus. You can read the government guidance for each UK country if you follow the links at the bottom of this page, in the 'More information' section. I’ve had cancer and finished treatment, am I at risk from coronavirus? After treatment for cancer, your immune system usually recovers over time. So if you've had cancer in the past, it is unlikely that you're in the extremely vulnerable group if: it's some time since you finished treatment you don't have one of the other specific conditions listed on the government website you haven't received a letter or been contacted by your local authority Contact your health care team if you are uncertain or you're still concerned that you might be in the extremely vulnerable group. I have symptoms that could be cancer, what should I do? You should still contact your doctor if you notice a change that isn't normal for you or if you have any possible signs and symptoms of cancer. One of the symptoms of coronavirus is a new continuous cough. It is important that you tell your GP everything about your cough. And whether you have any other symptoms such as unexpected weight loss, fatigue or loss of appetite. In some people, a continuous cough can also be a symptom of cancer and not coronavirus. Even if you're worried about what the symptom might be, or about getting coronavirus, don't delay contacting them. Your worry is unlikely to go away if you don't make an appointment. The symptom might not be due to cancer. But if it is, the earlier it's picked up the higher the chance of successful treatment. You won't be wasting your doctor's time. Contacting your GP The coronavirus outbreak means that GPs are doing more appointments on the phone or online instead of face to face. This is to reduce the risk of coronavirus to them and their patients. When you speak to them, they will ask about your symptoms and tell you if you need to go into the surgery to see a GP. They may suggest that you keep an eye on your symptoms and arrange another appointment to check in with them after a certain amount of time. Make sure you know when and how to contact them. And contact them again if your symptoms get worse or don’t get better. Read more about possible symptoms of cancer Getting the most out of your telephone appointment When you speak to the doctor, it can be difficult to remember everything you want to say. And it can be difficult to remember everything they say, especially on the phone. There are things you can do before and during your appointment with your doctor to make it easier. The video below has tips on what to do to get the most out of your appointment. ! Content not working due to cookie settings. › Manage cookies Transcript if you notice a change that isn't normal for you contact your doctor when you speak to the doctor's receptionist they may offer you a phone or video appointment ask the receptionist what will happen and check roughly when the doctor will call you that they have the right telephone number for you and what number the doctor will call you from what to do if you can't connect or get cut off during the call let them know if you might have problems with phone or video try practicing a call with a friend or family member make sure you're close to the phone or computer around the time of the appointment so you don't miss the call before the call write down your symptoms and when they started how often you have them and if anything makes them better or worse so you have info the doctor might need write down any questions you want to ask as well take the call somewhere quiet where you won't be disturbed and maybe ask someone to listen into the call with you for support they can help ask questions and help you remember what the doctor says tell your doctor if you're worried about cancer and ask them to explain anything you don't understand and about what will happen next you could write down the information so you don't forget remember if your symptoms don't go away or get worse contact your doctor again get more advice at cruk.org spot cancer early Before your appointment During your appointment Questions you might want to ask your GP Seeing a specialist and having cancer tests GPs will make urgent referrals to specialists or for tests if they’re worried you might have cancer. The hospital should contact you to tell you more about your appointment. Your first appointment might be a telephone appointment with a specialist doctor. Hospital teams might need to prioritise tests and appointments so they can see those most in need. They will base any decisions on the symptoms people have and the risk of them being cancer. You might have to wait longer to have tests. This might make you worry more. But your team will have you on a list and make sure you do have the test as soon as possible. Let your GP or the specialist team know if your symptoms get worse or don’t get better. If you need to see your GP or specialist, they will follow strict guidance on infection control to protect themselves and other patients. This might include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Before you have tests or scans Follow the advice from your hospital. Some hospitals might ask you to isolate before your appointment It is important to attend any appointments for tests. The only reason not to attend is if you have symptoms of coronavirus. In this case, you should contact the hospital tell them about your symptoms. They will cancel your appointment and you should self isolate. The medical team will talk to you about when you can attend an appointment safely. Read more about going into hospital during the coronavirus pandemic If you don't need any tests or a referral or they want to delay it Questions you might want to ask: Can you explain why I don’t need to have tests or see a specialist? Is there anything I can do to help myself? Do I need to see you again? Who do I contact if my symptoms continue or get worse, especially during the night or at weekends? Coping Coping with a diagnosis of cancer is difficult. For many people, the coronavirus is an extra concern and worry. It is understandable that you might be anxious during this time. So it is important to take good care of yourself. There are help and support available and things you can do to help you cope if you’re waiting to start treatment. Read more on how to prepare for treatment and life afterwards Does vitamin D protect against Covid-19? We need vitamin D for healthy bones and muscles. Not getting enough vitamin D can cause a bone problem called rickets in children. In adults, not having enough vitamin D can lead to bone pain and muscle weakness. Low levels may also increase the risk of falls in older people. The UK Government advises that we should all take a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. This is because between October and early March we can’t make enough. Read more about vitamin D and the sun Vitamin D and COVID-19 There have been reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of getting COVID-19. Some research says that having enough vitamin D can protect against common colds and flu. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) does not recommend taking vitamin D supplements to prevent or treat COVID‑19. NICE recommends better quality studies to look at how well vitamin D works in preventing and treating COVID-19. Coronavirus trials Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many trials looking at the coronavirus have been started. For people with cancer there are: the National COVID Cancer Survey a study looking at COVID-19 and people who have cancer (SOAP) the SOAP-02 trial Read more about these studies A trial only about COVID-19 and not a cancer trial, is the coronavirus (COVID-19) SPIKE-1 trial. Coronavirus (COVID-19) SPIKE-1 trial While some cancer trials have been paused during the pandemic, some of Cancer Research UK's scientists joined the national and global effort against COVID-19. Cancer Research UK has been supporting a trial which is funded by LifeArc, a charity which helps to fund and develop academic research. This research is only about COVID-19 and it is not a cancer trial. The aim of the trial is to find out if a drug called camostat helps to stop the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) from getting worse. The trial is for people who: are 50 years or older who have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) are well enough to stay at home The trial is supported by Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug Development (CDD). Read more about this trial More information More information and support is available for people living in different parts of the UK. Scotland NHS inform has further information about the coronavirus for people living in Scotland. Visit the NHS inform website The Scottish government website has the latest guidance for people living in Scotland. Read the Scottish government guidance Wales Public Health Wales has information and guidance for people living in Wales. Information is also available in Welsh. Visit the Public Health Wales website The Welsh government website also has the latest guidance for people living in Wales. Read the government guidance in Wales Northern Ireland The Public Health Agency has information for people living in Northern Ireland. Visit the Public Health Agency website The government in Northern Ireland has the latest guidance on its website for people living in Northern Ireland. Read the government guidance in Northern Ireland England The NHS website has all the latest information about the coronavirus and how to protect yourself. Visit the NHS website The government website has the latest guidance for people living in England. Read the government guidance for England Last reviewed: 02 Aug 2021 Next review due: 23 Feb 2022 Print page References <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "", "@type": "FAQPage", "url": "", "name": "Cancer Research UK", "description": "Cancer Research UK advice about coronavirus (COVID-19). People with cancer and their families might feel especially worried about the virus, as cancer and its treatment can lower your ability to fight infection.", "keywords": ["Coronavirus and cancer", "COVID-19 and cancer", "Cancer and coronavirus", "What is coronavirus?", "chemotherapy and coronavirus", "cancer immunity", "coronavirus", "covid 19"], "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is coronavirus?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The coronavirus is a flu-like virus. It causes an illness called COVID-19 which can affect your lungs and airways. For most people, the virus won’t cause serious problems. But for some people, the virus can have serious complications." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can cancer and treatment weaken immunity?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The immune system protects the body against illness and infection caused by viruses like coronavirus. 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But they do not have to practice the same shielding measures." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "I have cancer but I’m not in one of the vulnerable groups, what should I do? (social distancing)", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you are not in one of the above vulnerable groups, you should follow guidance for social distancing. The aim is to reduce your risk of catching and spreading the coronavirus." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will my chemotherapy and other cancer treatments continue?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Your healthcare team might review your cancer treatment plan. It is important that they consider whether the risks of having cancer treatment have changed because of the coronavirus. This is because some cancer treatments can affect your immune system. Your team caring for you will aim to continue with your treatment as much as possible. 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Knowing more about it can help you to cope better. Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine and cancer Four vaccines made by, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca-Oxford, Moderna and Jansen (Johnson and Johnson) have been approved for use in the UK. The single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be available later in the year. Coronavirus shielding advice Shielding is a way of protecting people who are at high risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19. People with a weakened immune system will no longer be asked to shield again in future but will return to following the individual advice from their healthcare team. Coronavirus and cancer screening Cervical, breast and bowel cancer screening programmes are going ahead in the UK. But because of COVID-19, there are delays to some invitations and follow-up appointments. Treatment for cancer Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs). Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects. About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Find a clinical trial Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK Cancer Chat forum Talk to other people affected by cancer Nurse helpline 0808 800 4040 Questions about cancer? Call freephone 9 to 5 Monday to Friday or email us Speak to a nurse Nurse Helpline 0808 800 4040 Questions about cancer? Call freephone 9 to 5 Monday to Friday or email us Quick links Find local shops Shop online Contact us Jobs Follow us About our information Terms and conditions Privacy Modern Slavery Statement Cookies Accessibility Sitemap Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. 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