The Voice of Canadians With Breast Cancer
Updates For:
If you think that you may have the COVID-19 virus, you can use this self-assessment tool. You can also learn more about Canada's COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan. Information on COVID-19 response plans, telehealth contact information and cancer centres across Canada can be found here.
We know that there is increased risk of serious complications for those who are over the age of 70, have underlying medical conditions or who have a compromised immune system. Anyone currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer is considered part of this high-risk population. Our hope is that communities can come together, by staying apart, to help protect the most vulnerable.
The Importance of Continuing Cancer Care
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, or any other circumstances, it is important to ensure that your cancer care continues. While appointments such as screening and diagnostic mammogram programs had to be put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most have resumed or are working through their backlog. At the same time, some in-person appointments are possible once again. If you had an appointment or mammogram that was cancelled, make sure that you reschedule it and get seen as soon as you can. Oncologists and other healthcare professionals have taken the steps to readjust their approach to cancer care in a way that balances your risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus and your risk of cancer.
That being said, it is understandable that you may still have questions on how best to navigate your cancer care. The Canadian Breast Cancer Network has produced the following resources to answer questions, and to provide reassurance, related to continuing cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic:
How Handwashing and Social Distancing Can Keep You Safe
Fact Sheet on Breast Cancer and the COVID-19 Virus
What Your Oncologist Wants You To Know During The COVID-19 Crisis
Is It Safe To Go For Cancer Treatments During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Cancer Patients:
Part 1: Delayed Surgeries and Treatments
Part 2: Impact of Your Cancer Treatment and Management on Your Immune System
Should you have specific questions about your treatments and scheduled appointments, contact your cancer centre or health care team directly and they can provide you with specific information regarding the measures that are being taken at that centre.
COVID-19 Related Resources
You can find links to COVID-19 related resources below or by visiting one of the links on the left side of this page.
General COVID-19 information, as well as the latest updates can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
Vaccines for COVID-19 from the Government of Canada
Coronavirus diease (COVID-19) pandemic from World Health Organization
Cancer and COVID19 (novel coronavirus) from Canadian Cancer Society
Common Questions About the New Coronavirus Outbreak from American Cancer Society
Advice on coronavirus for people with cancer from Breast Cancer Now
Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19 and Its Impact on Cancer from The ASCO Post
COVID-19 Vaccines in People with Cancer from Cancer.org
Should you have specific questions about your treatments and scheduled appointments, contact your cancer centre or health care team directly and they can provide you with specific information regarding the measures that are being taken at that centre.
While appointments such as screening and diagnostic mammogram programs had to be put on hold at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, most have resumed or are working through their backlog. If you had an appointment or mammogram that was cancelled, make sure that you reschedule it and get seen as soon as you can. Oncologists and other healthcare professionals have taken the steps to readjust their approach to cancer care in a way that balances your risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus and your risk of cancer. Click here for a link to provincial and territorial breast cancer programs across Canada.
How Handwashing and Social Distancing Can Keep You Safe
Fact Sheet on Breast Cancer and the COVID-19 Virus
What Your Oncologist Wants You To Know During The COVID-19 Crisis
Is It Safe To Go For Cancer Treatments During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Cancer Patients:
Part 1: Delayed Surgeries and Treatments
Part 2: Impact of Your Cancer Treatment and Management on Your Immune System
Coronavirus: What People With Breast Cancer Need to Know from BreastCancer.org
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 from Canadian Psychological Association
Psychological Impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from Canadian Psychological Association
Managing Fears and Anxiety around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from Harvard University Health Services
Managing Loneliness and Anxiety During This Time of Social Distancing from BreastCancer.Org
Caregiver Mental Health During COVID-19 Outbreak from the Ontario Caregiver Association
A COVID-19 section has been added to our Health StoryLines app to help you cope during this time. To access it, follow these steps:
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan from Department of Finance Canada
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