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KUALA LUMPUR: With the national Covid-19 vaccination program now in full swing, more and more people are coming forward to register for the vaccination.
As of June 5, nearly 13 million people had registered for Covid-19 vaccine injections, compared to 9.89 million on May 6, according to the Special Committee for Guaranteeing Access to the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply .
Currently, the second phase of the vaccination campaign is underway during which the elderly and people with co-morbidities, including cancer patients, will be vaccinated.
However, uncertainties about the safety of vaccines for patients on cancer treatment have led many of them to avoid registering for vaccination.
Their main concern is that the vaccine may interfere with their cancer treatment and increase their risk of developing other health complications.
Mahkota Medical Center consultant radiation therapist and oncologist Dr Chong Kwang Jeat, however, dismissed these fears, stressing that Covid-19 vaccines are safe and that there is no evidence that vaccines are not safe for cancer patients.
In fact, it’s safer for patients to opt for the vaccine to stay protected against Covid-19 because multiple studies recently conducted by healthcare professionals in countries like China, US, UK Uni and Italy have concluded “a worse outcome for cancer patients who contract Covid-19 compared to those without underlying diseases”.
Vaccines are safe
“That being said, the risk of severe Covid-19 requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) is more likely for cancer patients,” Dr Chong told Bernama, adding that overall, the risk of death for a cancer patient who contracts Covid-19 is approximately 15 to 30 percent.
He said this worst Covid-19 outcome is particularly noted in blood cancer patients who are immunocompromised or have lung cancer or active or advanced cancer currently on treatment and those with d ‘other comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease and obesity. .
Dr Chong said that in order to tackle vaccine hesitancy in cancer patients, it is important to educate the public about the huge benefits and importance of vaccination through the mainstream media and social media.
There is also an urgent need to build public confidence and awareness through advocacy by public figures and health professionals and curb the dissemination of misleading and irresponsible information and messages about vaccines, especially on social media.
“People need to be aware of the risk of widespread non-vaccination as it can lead to a potential tsunami of Covid-19 cases that will devastate our healthcare system.
“We must also stress that getting vaccinated is not just for protecting ourselves, but also for the people around us and for society as a whole. No one is safe until everyone is safe, ”added Dr Chong.
Adhere to treatment
Dr Chong also said that the available data linking the higher risk of Covid-19 to cancer survivors is mixed.
“This is supported by a recent large UK study which showed that chemotherapy in the past 12 months was associated with severe illness and death from the virus, especially for those who received treatments that caused suppression of the virus. immune system.
“However, other studies in the United States, Canada, Spain and the United Kingdom have not shown a detrimental impact of recent chemotherapy,” he explained.
As to whether cancer patients should continue to take their treatments during the Covid-19 pandemic given the higher risk of contracting the infectious disease, Dr Chong said that each case is different, patients should discuss with their treating oncologist to see if their treatment can be changed during the pandemic.
“The guiding principle is to continue treatment for cancer while minimizing the risk of patients contracting Covid-19, as neglecting either one could lead to serious consequences,” he said.
The doctor, he added, may need to change the cancer treatment if he has to omit or replace immunosuppressive therapy such as chemotherapy with hormone therapy in some cases of breast cancer or reduce the frequency and / or the duration of chemotherapy and use oral chemotherapy instead of intravenous chemotherapy. injection or infusion that requires more hospital visits.
“In some patients, the doctor may shorten the duration of radiation therapy and reduce the frequency of follow-ups for non-emergency cases,” he said, adding that for those who cannot make it to the hospital, he There is also the option of teleconsultations and home medication delivery.
Dr Chong himself began adopting online consultations after the pandemic began last year, with most of those patients coming from overseas.
Adapt to teleconsultation
Realizing the limitations of virtual consultations, Dr Chong said he would normally study notes and reports the patient sends him earlier before the consultation.
During the teleconsultation session, he discussed the case with the patient and / or his loved one and suggested the next step or action to be taken.
“This facility is particularly useful for my patients abroad who cannot travel due to travel restrictions and border closures.
“Teleconsultations also allow us to ensure continuity of care for our existing patients who cannot come to our hospital. Such virtual encounters are often very warm and joyful … it’s like reuniting with old friends. I am always delighted to see my former patients again and know that I can still be of service to them. Most patients feel more reassured and reassured knowing that their doctor is aware of their progress and well-being, ”he said.
If necessary, the hospital also delivers the prescribed drugs by courier to the patients concerned after the teleconsultations. –Appointed
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