— Oncology Specialist, Dr. Latoya Gooding
IN Guyana, cancer is the third most common cause of death, and experts say the debilitating condition could be exacerbated if combined with symptoms of the deadly COVID-19 disease.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), older persons and those with underlying medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer, are more likely to develop serious forms of COVID-19.
“It is important for you to know that you are very vulnerable for becoming infected and developing the most severe form of the coronavirus disease, which can result in death,” said Oncology Specialist Dr. Latoya Gooding, as she shared her advice with cancer patients during a virtual message, on Friday.
Cancer weakens the immune system by attacking the white blood cells which are the body’s first line of defence against harmful organisms such as bacteria, fungus and viruses, making it easy for persons to develop these diseases, especially COVID-19, at this time.
Cancer, which has many forms and types, is often treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which weakens the immune system because these treatments kill not only the cancerous cells, but also affects some of the red blood cells.
Dr. Gooding referred to statistics which show that in Guyana, cancer is the third most common cause of death, with the most common types being breast and cervical in females and prostate in males
“The age groups most affected are women between the ages of 30-45years for cervical cancer, for breast women above age 65 years with the peak at 75 years and for prostate, men above age 50 years,” said the doctor.
Considering that some persons may fall into more than one group of the high-risk population, she said it is important for cancer patients to stay at home and only venture out when it is “absolutely” necessary. And, if persons have to come out, they must wear a face mask and also avoid congregating. When out in public avoid touching your face and eyes unless your hands are washed or sanitised
In giving further advice, Dr. Gooding said cancer patients must also wash their hands frequently and ensure that they clean surfaces with an alcohol-based solution or bleach. Important too, is the use of vitamins and medications provided by healthcare workers, and eating a balanced diet.
The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the COVID-19 disease has proven to be a “real killer,” especially in cases involving persons who have co-morbidities. This was according to doctors of the GPHC.
At that time, Guyana had recorded six deaths due to the COVID-19 disease and while the loss of life is never pleasant, doctors had said most of the persons who died had co-morbidities. In medicine, comorbidity is defined as the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with a primary condition; in the countable sense of the term, a comorbidity is each additional condition.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) had said that 81 per cent of persons who contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms and five per cent will need intensive care.
“Most of the people who passed, have [sic] co-morbidities…some had diabetes, hypertension, asthma and one of them even had severe pneumonia, which, without COVID, can also cause death…these, coupled with the complications related to COVID-19 can be dangerous,” said Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at GPHC, Dr. Genellys Camps, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.
As part of strengthening the systems in place to reduce the spread of the virus, the Public Health Ministry had said that alternative arrangements were created for patients who are immuno-compromised to collect their medications without putting themselves at further risk.
