We’re remaining as careful as ever at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, while still offering the highest level of care to our cancer patients. “Our patients being able to continue their treatments is very important to us right now. We are here for you and we’re ready to fight this fight with you, today and always,” says Mark Socinski, MD, AdventHealth Cancer Institute Executive Director.
Added Risk of Infection
If you are a cancer patient or caregiver, we know how difficult it‘s been to live with the impact of social distancing and safety measures that have been in place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes cancer patients among those at a a higher risk of serious illness from an infection, such as COVID-19. This is because some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, can cause you to be immunocompromised. Cancer itself can also weaken your immune system and make it difficult to fight off infections.
For those who are immunocompromised, the CDC recommends continuing any medications or treatments and keeping in touch with your health care provider. Please know that we are fully operational at all of our practices and available for your treatments. To help protect yourself against infection, the CDC also recommends taking the following precautions:
- Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 or your illness
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Keep away from people who are sick
- Stay at home if possible
- Stock up on necessary supplies, such as medication
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others (at least 6 feet)
- Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds each time
- Wear a mask when outside the home and close contact with others is expected
Continuing Your Care, Safely
Nothing is more important to us than you and being able to provide you with the highest level of care. More than ever, it is crucial for our patients to continue receiving treatments to help in the fight against cancer. “If you are scheduled for treatment, talk to your doctor about the risk of continuing or delaying your care” Dr. Socinski explains. “Depending on the type of appointment you have, video visits may be available instead of coming into the office. Share your concerns with your oncologist and develop a plan of care that you’re comfortable with.”
Know that there’s a safe way to get medical help: Every AdventHealth facility has made extra safety precautions part of their new normal for your family’s protection.
We are well-equipped to handle rises in coronavirus cases in your community while meeting your needs and keeping you protected. At our facilities, we’ve employed safety measures to protect you and caregivers, including:
- A more in-depth disinfection process for all spaces within the practice
- Social distancing guidelines amongst patients and staff
- Universal mask use policy for patients and staff
- Patient checkout that can be done in the exam room
- Temperature checks for all patients
- Video visits with your physician, if you would prefer it to an in-office visit
- Limiting visitors and making sure those allowed are screened for symptoms before entering the facility
While also following the above guidelines, AdventHealth Cancer Institute also recommends:
- Identifying a single caregiver to accompany you to your visits and/or drive you to your appointments, ensuring they also meet the criteria below
- Calling your center prior to arriving for treatment if you have a change in symptoms (such as cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing)
- Not allowing anyone to enter your home showing symptoms of respiratory infection such as cough, fever, shortness of breath and/or sore throat
Learn More
The AdventHealth Cancer Institute is here for you and we’re committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges feeling safe, protected and whole. To learn more about services available, visit AdventHealthCancerInstitute.com.
