'Pinoy MD': Ovarian cancer at the time of COVID-19
Getting treatment for cancer is very essential even during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes getting treated from ovarian cancer which, according to studies, is the fifth most common cause of death among Filipino women.
'Pag nagki-chemotherapy ka kasi 'yung immune system mo babagsak 'yun,” Dr. Raul Quillamor, an OB-Gynecologist told Connie Sison at Pinoy MD.
Cancer treatments raise a person's risk for developing life-threatening complications from COVID-19 because most patients develop an impaired immune system during treatment.
“If a patient is not properly nourished, lalong made-depress 'yun, and they will be more immunocompromised,” Quillamor added.
“Kasi 'pag sinasabi nilang immunocompromised ka, you are at risk of developing infections.
"Pwede kang mahawaan ng tao kahit konti lang. Minsan nga, walang symptoms 'yung tao tapos naging carrier siya ng bacteria, maaring mahawaan ang immunocompromised person na ito.”
To lower your risk for contracting the respiratory disease or passing it to others, Quillamor advises people to follow local and national guidelines.
“Dapat sa katawan ng isang babae na may ovarian cancer, kailangan i-practice natin ang protocol ng infection prevention control at sundan natin ang advice ng Department of Health at ng ating gobyerno ng sa ganon ay ma-minimize natin 'yung risk of having an infection,” Quillamor said.
The Department of Health advises community members to do the following:
- Practice social distancing and avoiding crowded areas
- Wear a face mask
- Wash hands frequently
- Don't touch your face with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily
- Be cautious about your activities
If there's something Quillamor wants to impart to women who are suffering or suspect that they have ovarian cancer it's don't wait to get treatment from your doctors.
“Kung ang isang babae ay nakakaramdam ng mga ganitong sintomas, wala na talaga siyang choice but to see her doctor,” he said.
“Kasi kailangan talagang ma-examine ang patient to see the overall physical health at kung may kailangan na mga clinical examinations, mapapagawa na.
“This way, masasabi ng doktor kung benign o malignant na tumor kasi hindi naman lahat ay nakamamatay na cancer.”
To help keep you safe during the pandemic, try calling your local hospital offices to adjust the timing of your treatments and follow local and national rules.