Fight CRC understands that our community may have many questions about how the coronavirus will affect their screening and treatment plans, from surgery to chemotherapy/immunotherapy, clinical trials, and maintenance therapy. We spent some time with experts in the field discussing how COVID-19 affects treatment to better understand the disruptions and advice for our patient community. 

How does Coronavirus (COVID-19) affect colorectal cancer screening and gastroenterology appointments? 

Dr. Jen Kolb, a Gastroenterology fellow at the University of Colorado Hospital discusses how COVID-19 is impacting colorectal cancer screenings and colonoscopy procedures. 

What about surgery during Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

If you’re concerned about how COVID-19 will affect any surgical procedures you may have scheduled (or will be scheduling in the near future) as it relates to colon or rectal cancer, Dr. Ryan Fields, MD Professor of Surgery, Chief of the Section of Surgical Oncology, Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine unpacks what patients need to know.

What should I do if I’m on a clinical trial or looking to enroll in one?

Unsurprisingly, there have been many changes to clinical trials, which can affect many colon and rectal cancer patients. Fight CRC spoke to Dr. Scott Kopetz, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, at MD Anderson to provide his thoughts on what patients on clinical trials can expect in the coming weeks and months, and how it will ultimately affect the course of treatments. 

Should I continue my cancer treatment regimen? (i.e. chemotherapy, immunotherapy, maintenance therapy)

On April 6th, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) released Principles for Management of Colorectal Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dr. Al Benson, a GI Medical Oncologist at Northwestern University, a Fight CRC Medical Advisory Board Member, and chair of the NCCN CRC panel breaks down these guidelines and what patients should do during the coronavirus pandemic if they are on chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other treatments.

Remember, if you have any concerning symptoms of COVID-19, be sure to call your primary care doctors to get advice on testing. For day to day recommendations, you can refer to the CDC website for guidance. 

If you missed our Facebook Live Q&A with Dr. Richard Goldberg and Fight CRC’s Scott Wilson, be sure to check it below.

How can I expect treatment to look in the future?

Dr. Dustin Deming, a faculty member in the Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, answers relevant questions patients may have, and what to expect in the coming months.

6 thoughts on “Coronavirus and Cancer Screening and Treatment: Expert Insight for Patients”