A Message to Our Cancer Patients and Their Families About Coronavirus COVID-19

The top priority of the Henry Ford Cancer Institute is the health and safety of our patients and their families. If you have a scheduled appointment, please plan to keep this appointment unless you are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and pains or shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor before coming into the clinic.

Our team of experts is here for you. We’ll see you and make a plan of care either virtually or in-person.

The below FAQs about COVID-19 will help you find answers to questions you may have regarding cancer and COVID-19 virus.

• Are those with cancer at a higher risk for getting COVID-19?
• Should I still come in for my scheduled cancer treatments and appointments?
• Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
• Should I wear a mask to my cancer treatment appointment or out in public if I do not have any symptoms?
• What is Henry Ford Health doing to protect patients and the community?
• What can I do to help protect myself from the virus?
• My appointment has been changed to a MyChart video visit — what does that mean?

Are those with cancer at a higher risk for getting COVID-19?

If you have cancer, you are at a higher risk for a serious illness like COVID-19, especially if you are in active chemotherapy treatment or have recently had a bone marrow transplant. These treatments weaken the immune system, which puts you at a higher risk of serious illness. Usually this risk is temporary.

Post-treatment cancer survivors who have completed treatment more than 2 years ago have immune systems that most likely recovered, but each person is different. It's important that all cancer patients and survivors, whether currently in treatment or not, talk with a doctor who understands the situation and medical history.

Should I still come in for my scheduled cancer treatments and appointments?

If you are scheduled for cancer treatments during this coronavirus outbreak, you should have a discussion with your oncologist about the benefits and risks of continuing or delaying treatment.

If you have a scheduled appointment, please plan to keep this appointment unless you are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and pains or shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor before coming into the clinic.

Supportive cancer treatment appointments, such as our survivorship clinic, dietitian consults, and psych-oncology visits, have temporarily been moved to telemedicine and phone visits. Contact your provider if you have questions.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Temporary visitor restrictions are in place across all Henry Ford facilities. If you can come to your appointment by yourself, that is encouraged. However, you are allowed one visitor to accompany you at your appointment. Contact your oncology clinic for specific directions regarding guests.

Should I wear a mask to my cancer treatment appointment or out in public if I do not have any symptoms?

Your care team will provide you with a mask when you arrive for your appointment. You can continue to reuse this mask and bring it to your future appointments if you are able to keep it clean, dry, and with no rips or tears. We recommend masks be stored in a paper bag when not in use, so they can breathe and dry out.

What is Henry Ford Health doing to protect patients and the community?

• Canceling support groups and other programming until it’s safe to resume in-person activities
• Staffing an informational hotline and maintaining a webpage about COVID-19 for those who have questions

What can I do to help protect myself from the virus?

You should protect yourself by using these health hygiene practices that are recommended by the CDC to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve – not your hands. Throw away the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Minimize close contact exposure to other people
• Avoid large, in-person social gatherings—connect with friends and family virtually through video chat or phone calls
• Buy any necessary medications, both prescription and over the counter, to last for up to a month

My appointment has been changed to a MyChart video visit — what does that mean?

A MyChart Video Visit is a scheduled visit with your doctor through the MyChart app on your mobile phone or tablet. This offers an opportunity to receive the same high-quality healthcare expertise from your doctor, with the added convenience of not having to travel to the doctor’s office. Follow this step-by-step guide for completing a video visit.

Note: You must have a MyChart account to use video visits. If you need assistance or have questions about MyChart or video visits, see our FAQs on MyChart or call (800) 436-7936.

Get up-to-date information about COVID-19 and learn more.