Coronavirus and Prostate Cancer: The Facts

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. At present, the term ‘coronavirus’ is usually intended to refer to COVID-19.

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

The following symptoms may take up to 2-14 days after exposure to appear.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to a cold or flu. The symptoms are usually mild and start gradually.

However, you and your doctor may decide to delay or change your treatment plan. This is because some treatments may put you at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Also, attending appointments at GP surgeries or hospitals could expose you to the virus. However, your doctor should discuss any changes so that you understand why and know all your available options.

There may be other changes to the way you receive your care.

• Appointments may take place over the phone
• You may have to attend a different hospital for surgery
• Private hospitals may be used by the NHS for cancer treatments
•  ‘Virus-free’ cancer centres are being set up so that cancer treatments can continue

There are two levels of higher risk: moderate-risk (vulnerable) and high-risk (extremely vulnerable). It’s important to know that certain prostate cancer treatments can affect the immune system’s ability to fight infection.

People classed as moderate-risk include those who:

• Are 70 or older
• Have serious medical conditions including cancer

People classed as high-risk include those who:

• Are on or have had chemotherapy within the past three months
• Are on or have had immunotherapy within the past three months
• Have advanced prostate cancer, which has spread to the lungs
• Are taking medicines that affect the immune system

If you are unsure whether your treatment affects your immunity, it is important to check with your care provider or call the NHS on 111.

For those who have undergone treatment in the past, most people’s immune system will make a full recovery but this can vary depending on the type of cancer and the treatment received. Therefore, it is important to check with your doctor or call 111 if you are unsure.

If you are in the high risk group you should have received a letter from the NHS. If you believe you are in this group, but have not received a letter, please contact your GP or health care team.

There is currently no vaccine available for COVID-19 because it is still an incredibly new virus. Researchers have developed vaccines but these still need to undergo important safety tests.

Although it will not prevent coronavirus, it could be helpful for people to receive the flu vaccine. This is because it will reduce the number of people who become infected with the flu, therefore enabling the NHS to concentrate on treating those with coronavirus. Also, the flu and coronavirus share many symptoms so reducing the number of people with the flu can make it easier to diagnose coronavirus. It is safe for those undergoing cancer treatment to have the flu vaccine because it doesn’t contain live flu virus. It is also offered free of charge on the NHS to people who are at risk, including those over the age of 65 and those on certain medical treatments.