Why You Don’t Need to Delay Your Cancer Care During COVID-19

Photo Credit: Mass General

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how each of us interacts with the outside world, including getting the healthcare we need. During this time of uncertainty, it can be confusing to know whether your cancer treatment will continue as planned and whether it is safe to come to the hospital for your appointment.

At Mass General Cancer Center, doctors and nurses are committed to your care and safety and are there for you, no matter what. The Cancer Center is open to see all patients for necessary care in the outpatient and inpatient settings. Due to the pandemic and the need for physical distance, Mass General is offering virtual visits when possible. Outpatient visits are available for necessary care that requires a face to face visit, physical examination, treatment, or procedure.

Photo Credit: Mass General

Don’t delay your care. If you’ve previously canceled mammograms or other cancer screenings, we encourage you to reschedule. Many additional safety measures, as recommended by public health authorities, have been implemented across the hospital, including:

Screening

• All employees are screened daily—anyone with symptoms of a possible respiratory illness is not allowed to work until they are better.
• All patients and visitors are screened for symptoms of possible COVID-19.
  • Admitted patients are tested prior to admission and screened daily.
  • Outpatients are screened prior to and upon arrival, and if symptomatic, are cared for via virtual visits or in designated areas where we use CDC-recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent spread.
• Visitors coming into the hospital and clinics are limited and screened for symptoms of possible COVID-19. Visitors with symptoms are asked to defer their visits.

Cleaning

• The frequency and intensity of cleaning of all high touch areas throughout the institution have been increased.
• Frequent hand-cleaning is required and hand sanitizer stations have been added so patients and staff can clean their hands easily and frequently.

Protecting

• All people on-campus—employees, patients, and visitors—are required to wear a mask.
• Spaces have been rearranged to accommodate physical distancing and prevent transmission of hidden infections by removing chairs from waiting rooms, and in some high-use areas, installing plexiglass barriers.

Photo Credit: Mass General

Mass General’s cancer treatment teams are always ready to answer questions. They’ve always been there for you just as they’ve always been. Together, Mass General will work with you to determine the best course of action, with your care and safety as their top priority.

Patients are encouraged to stay in close communication with their provider and care team. Learn more about what the Mass General Cancer Center is doing to ensure your safety while prioritizing your care.