Following on from the excellent, informative advice and update on the implications of Coronavirus posted by cujoe over the last few days, the recent PCF Newsletter, see link below, might be of interest to some readers.
The newsletter acknowledges the real concerns and questions of many affected by prostate cancer or those who care for them. Many will be wondering about what to do and how to manage the situation due to the spread. As NP Fisherman always reminds us, the newsletter stresses that science and research are the best tools for management of prostate cancer, whether it’s on the day to day basis of normal life or the extraordinary circumstances, we are now experiencing … a public health emergency. In some countries, mine not excluded, the media messages, press conferences and even information on official websites are at times confusing and often contradictory and are not designed to address specific situations of individuals.
The PCF article, written specifically for those with prostate cancer, provides a number of helpful links reminding of the symptoms to be watchful for and also guidelines to stay safe and avoid contact or spread. The bonus is that the information is geared to those who have prostate cancer and provides a degree of confidence that the content comes from an organisation that is recognised for providing advice that is both rigorous and informed by current research.
Information in the newsletter in relation to those in early stage, active surveillance, those receiving radiation or scheduled for surgery would not seem to be at an increased risk because early prostate cancer has not been shown to significantly affect the immune system unlike blood cancers. Likewise, using other virus infections as the litmus test, the article notes that there is no evidence, that those on hormone therapy are at higher risk. However, it also stresses that while this may be the case with the more commonly known viral infections it carries a warning that Coronavirus is not the norm and that no data is available in relation to if it will affect the immune system.
As expected, the article warns that other treatments, such as chemotherapy could increase the risk of Coronavirus severity. Ongoing monitoring of the data for this group is being undertaken by ASCO and CDC. See the link in the newsletter.... asco.org/asco-coronavirus-i... and also the practical helpful information in the relevant section of the newsletter. The risk of co-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease as well as respiratory conditions are also noted as possibly increasing the risk.
In addition to the items outlined above of the pertinent information specifically for those with prostate cancer, also included in the article is a very helpful list of other relevant resources. While many readers will be aware of the vast amount of information flowing in on this new virus, I think this particular article provides some balanced, well informed information on issues that might not be addressed in other forums.
Prostate cancer - repurposed drugs?
Prostate cancer
