Patients with prostate cancer are facing a unique situation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the resources the Prostate Cancer Foundation is offering to help patients in this turbulent situation.
At PCF, we realize that many of you who have been affected by prostate cancer, or whose loved ones have been affected by prostate cancer, might be wondering if special precautions need to be taken with the coronavirus pandemic unfolding. We have always believed that evidence out of science and research are the best tools for solving patients’ problems, whether that’s cancer or public health emergencies. As such, we will do our best to use science to provide information and a steady hand in this tumultuous situation.
Scientists know that the coronavirus (aka COVID-19 COrona VIrus Disease 2019) can affect your immune system, although we are still learning more. Based on recent data as reported in the journal The Lancet, it appears that the virus hits the immune system early and knocks down the white blood cells that fight infections. This translates to respiratory disease for most patients who become sick with COVID-19.
The most important thing to remember, whether you have been affected by prostate cancer or not, is that if you are having symptoms as described here, such as a fever (99.1°F [37.3°C] or higher), persistent cough, or shortness of breath, you need to call your doctor.
If you are not having symptoms, it is important that you follow the guidelines to stay safe and avoid spreading the disease. It is critical that all citizens, not just those with prostate cancer, adhere to CDC and local public health guidelines (here’s an example of one source of local guidelines from the County of Los Angeles). You can view the full, trusted list of prevention tactics here, but our top three are: 1) wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap, especially after blowing your nose and before eating, 2) stay 6 feet away from people if you are out in public, and 3) keep your hands away from your face, where the virus can readily enter through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
That said, here are a few extra details for those of you in the prostate cancer journey:
At PCF we are tracking any real-time data on COVID-19 in cancer patients that’s credible and peer-reviewed. This page will list a number of resources for patients and families and we will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.
With kind regards for the health of you and your family,
Jonathan W. Simons, MD
President and CEO
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Resources
A Prostate Cancer Researcher’s Unique Perspective as A Cancer Survivor
May 6th 2021In this episode of the “CURE® Talks Cancer” podcast, Leanne Burnham, Ph.D., discusses the research she’s working on to address health disparities in Black men with prostate cancer after being inspired by her father’s diagnosis, and shares her own cancer survival story.
Listen
There's Always Hope in Prostate Cancer
November 21st 2019On this week’s episode of the CURE Talks Cancer podcast, we talk with Grammy-winning songwriter and vocal producer Kuk Harrell about what it’s like to be “on the other side” of his prostate cancer diagnosis, and how he’s using his platform to shine a light on the disease.
Listen