Cancer care can't wait. That's what the team of experts at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing wants you to know as we all adapt to life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We can't underestimate the potential risks of not seeking medical care when you need it," said Justin Klamerus, M.D., M.M.M., president, Karmanos Cancer Hospital & Network. "We continue to safely see patients who are receiving active treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and those who have been recently diagnosed."
The Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing is going above and beyond with new processes to keep patients and caregivers safe from COVID-19 while receiving treatments.
"Patients are screened by our oncology navigators the night before their appointment to ask if they've had concerning symptoms, if they've had exposure to anyone with COVID-19, or if they have sought care for any symptoms suspicious for COVID-19," said Dr. Klamerus. "Patients are screened again when they come in for treatments and are separated from others if they have symptoms of COVID-19."
For those who may still be worried about seeing a doctor for their cancer care, Dr. Klamerus says the individual risk is relatively low, especially when someone practices social distancing. For some patients, virtual visits may be an option.
"We aren't seeing as severe of a surge as was anticipated among cancer patients in our region," said Dr. Klamerus. "We believe our cancer patients were more cautious and they were practicing social distancing, handwashing, and good hygiene that some of the general population may have been slow to embrace. If we follow these processes, there's no reason to think that people can't come and receive active therapy for conditions and treatment they need."
Click here to learn more about the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing.