In a recent Theory Lab podcast, Len Lichtenfeld, MD, our deputy chief medical officer, discusses how the coronavirus is affecting cancer patients and cancer researchers.
While COVID-19 projections are heartening, Dr. Len underscored that "we are not yet where we need to be" and that it is important to maintain social distancing. "This is not the time to let down," he said.
In a conversation with David Sampson, strategic director, medical & science communications, Dr. Len discusses the complicated logistics that will be required before we can return to some sort of normalcy.
Many cancer patients are waiting to start or resume treatment, and there will be a "pent up demand" once health facilities welcome those patients back. "We have a lot of people out there who had their treatments delayed, visits delayed, and scans delayed, and all that is going to hit an overburdened system at the same time, not to mention the emotional toll . . . . So, we are going to have a crunch when we come out of this and we need to start thinking today about how we are going to prioritize care to ensure those in need get the care first."
The pandemic also has stalled cancer research. Our extramural research department reached out to researchers around the country to see how their work is being affected. Nearly 60% of the 300 respondents said their work has been halted. One researcher wrote back: "Continue to support us. We will get back to fighting cancer as soon as we can."
*Shared from MySocietySource.
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