7 Recent COVID-19 News and Updates That Patients With Cancer May Have Missed

There have been countless updates involving COVID-19 during the past several months, including a third vaccine being granted emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here, CURE® looks back at some of the information regarding the virus and its connection to cancer that patients with cancer may have missed.

• The FDA’s recent emergency use authorization of Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine will likely open many doors for patients with cancer to get vaccinated, according to an expert from the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. READ MORE.
• The presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was significantly low in cancer center units that followed strict mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of the virus, according to study results recently published in Cancer. READ MORE.
• With a limited number of COVID-19 vaccines available, the most important takeaway from the updated NCCN guidelines is that patients with cancer get a COVID-19 vaccine — no matter which one it is — according to an expert from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. READ MORE.
• The Society of Breast Imaging has recommended women wait four-to-six weeks after receiving their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to get a screening mammogram. However, experts differ on whether women should wait to get a screening mammogram following their vaccine. READ MORE.
• Blood shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic have forced cancer centers to get creative to ensure patients with hematologic malignancies are able to get transfusions in a timely manner. READ MORE.
• Postponing tests or doctor visits during the pandemic may increase women’s risk of cancer, experts say. READ MORE.
• A survey conducted by the LUNGevity Foundation determined that 96% of patients with lung cancer felt that they were concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic affecting their treatment. READ MORE.

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