Expert Tips for Cancer Patients to prevent COVID-19

The novel coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm, and it is spreading through countries like wildfire. Older people, people with pre-existing conditions, and immunocompromised people are the most at risk of bearing the brunt of severe symptoms if they get infected by the virus. Cancer patients, people who are immunocompromised and are prone to co-morbidities associated with cancer or cancer treatment, are among the high-risk crowd.

However, if you are a cancer patient receiving treatment or if you are looking to consult a cancer specialist, you need not worry too much about the virus, as there are some excellent tips you can check out to enhance safety from Covid-19.

How to prevent Covid-19 in cancer patients?

• Keep yourself updated

Just like Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best cancer doctors in Delhi, any cancer specialist will tell you that no correlation has been found between cancer and increased rate of coronavirus infection. However, due to their immunosuppression, cancer patients are at high risk of experiencing the worst symptoms. Should you be worried about getting the virus because you have cancer? No. But, you should follow the health guidelines doubly. Everyday a new set of guidelines are brought into effect, it is in your best interest to keep yourself updated and consult your cancer specialist regularly as the situation progresses.  

• Social Distancing

Stay home if you and your family members can. If you are a cancer patient, even if you feel well, do not go out of your house unless necessary. You can get your essentials online now, or if you live with family, you can ask them to get the essentials for the time being. And if you have to get out of the house to visit your cancer specialist, do not forget to maintain social distancing.

• Hygiene first

Keep washing your hands repeatedly for 20 seconds, cough into the crux of your elbow, if you need to get out of the house, when you come back in you can practice complete sanitization. If needed, you can create a sanitization zone in your home.

• Immunity boost

There is no shortcut to boosting your immunity; so, no booster shots or essential teas will help bring your immune system at par with the healthy immune systems. You know what the best cancer doctors are suggesting to boost immunity? Cancer specialists worldwide are advising their patients to exercise and eat nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and well-cooked meals.

• Its medicine time

Being a distinguished cancer specialist in Delhi NCR, with years of experience and expertise, Dr. Manish Singhal, along with other stalwarts practicing oncology, advises against skipping regular medicines. Your regular medicines will not weaken your immune system, so do not stop taking them.

• Try at-home options

Some cancer specialists are offering at-home treatment options for cancer patients. You can either look into such treatment plans or consult your cancer specialist to create a treatment plan that best suits your requirements and the current situation.

The ending note

Covid-19 is a disease that does not discriminate. So, we all need to be careful about how we go about our lives. However, if you are a cancer patient, practicing a little more caution might be better for you. If you need any more advice or information regarding the recommendations and best practices for cancer patients during Covid-19, you can always consult one of the best oncologists in Delhi NCR, Dr. Manish Singhal.

Also Read: Myths and facts about breast cancer treatment and diagnosis during Covid-19

Lung Cancer Awareness: Is a mass in the lung always cancer?

Lung cancer is a mass or growth made up of cancer cells. However, less than 40% of lung masses are cancerous. So, if your doctor has told you that you have a lung mass or few, there is no need to panic. You see, "lung mass" is a broad term used to characterize multiple abnormalities in the lungs.

What EXACTLY are lung masses?

Lung masses are abnormal spots or areas in the lungs, which are more than 3cms or one and a half inches in size; anything smaller and even the best cancer doctors call them lung nodules. There are two major categories of lung masses, malignant and benign. More often than not, lung masses are non-malignant, which translates into non-cancerous.

Benign vs. Malignant Lung masses

According to clinical researchers and some of the best lung cancer doctors worldwide, hamartomas, bronchial adenomas, and papillomas are some of the common types of benign lung masses. These can occur due to tuberculosis, abscesses, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, pneumonia, and other co-
morbidities. The general symptoms of benign lung masses are shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, and coughing.

The same clinical researchers and best cancer doctors agree that some of the common malignant lung masses are non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. While there are no known causes of lung cancer, the chances of lung cancer are aggravated by smoking, age, family history of lung cancer, exposure to radon, exposure to air
pollution, and carcinogens.

Symptoms of Lung cancer

While most people experience lung cancer symptoms differently, these are some of the common symptoms:

• Chest pain that doesn't go away
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• constant coughing & coughing up blood
• Recurring lung infections
• Hoarseness
• Swelling in neck or face
• Fever

However, even the best cancer doctors will tell you that even with all the said symptoms, you might not have lung cancer. The best way to know whether your symptoms might be of lung cancer is to get yourself checked. And, remember, even if you do have the disease, with the right lung cancer treatment from the best lung cancer doctor in town, your chances of coming out of this storm
stronger, are extremely high.

Statistical analysis of lung masses
As mentioned above, about 40% of lung masses and nodules are cancerous. Lung masses and nodules for people below 35 years of age are rarely cancerous, about 1%; however, for your above 50 years of age, chances of lung a mass being cancerous is a little less than 50%, according to researchers and lung cancer specialists.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death accounting for 25% of the mortality rate; however, lung cancer treatment and diagnosis have come a long way and the numbers are improving every day.

Not all lung masses are lung cancer; but, if you are suffering from the extended symptoms of lung cancer or if you are at high-risk, you can always consult the best lung cancer doctor in town. For Delhites, it is Dr. Manish Singhal, the best lung cancer doctor in Delhi NCR, and also regarded as the best Oncologist in Delhi NCR. Dr. Manish Singhal also offers treatment for lung cancer in Noida and the adjoining areas.

Also Read: Prognostic factors affecting survival rates in Lung Cancer Patients