A Patient’s Story of Cancer Treatment During COVID-19

Alan Phillips, a patient from Jefferson Health in New Jersey, knew his cancer care couldn't wait for the end of the coronavirus pandemic. Masked, sanitized, and ready to go, he continued his chemotherapy treatments during a time when many patients chose to avoid the hospital setting for fear of the coronavirus. Alan says he felt safer in the hospital than he did in most places in the community. His treating physician, Dr. Ana Maria Lopez, medical oncologist from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, said this continuation of care could mean a world of difference in his outcome. 

 

The National Cancer Institute forecasts 10,000 additional deaths from breast and colorectal cancer over the next 10 years due to failure in receiving care. Hear more from Alan on what his experience was like and why it's important to seek the necessary medical care you need, even during this time of uncertainty.

 

Check out TheHealthNexus.org for more content on the coronavirus, like a patient's guide to going to the doctor during the pandemic and a story from a Jefferson patient who had surgery for thyroid cancer during the coronavirus.

 

Also, read an article with insight from Dr. Ana Maria Lopez.

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