Coronavirus is a flu like virus. It causes an illness called COVID-19 which can affect your lungs and airways. For most people, the virus won't cause serious problems. But for some people, the virus can have serious complications.

COVID-19 can be spread from person-to-person. This can happen when a person comes into contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person, for example through coughing or sneezing.

Spread of this Coronavirus from person-to-person is usually between close contacts. Close contacts are those people who have been face-to-face with a person infected with the virus for at least 15 minutes, or been in the same closed space for at least 2 hours with an infected person.

For more information, please visit HealthyWA website.

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Cancer treatment, for example chemotherapy, can lower the immune system. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment or have a blood-related cancer such as leukaemia or lymphoma, your immune system may be weaker, which means your body may not be able to as effectively fight the virus as someone who is healthy and well.

As such, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and to call your doctor if you are concerned. Healthdirect Australia has developed a COVID-19 Symptom Checker, an online self-guided tool to help people find out if they need to seek medical help. There is further information around minimising your risk in the questions below.

It is normal and understandable that you might feel anxious about contracting COVID-19. If you are feeling anxious, have questions or need support, please remember that Cancer Council's information and support line is available on 13 11 20 during business hours. Our specially trained team can provide emotional support as well as practical tips for minimising the risk of infection during this time. We will also be updating our website frequently with new information, so please keep checking back.

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Cancer treatment can temporarily lower your immune system as it can damage healthy white blood cells in addition to killing cancer cells. Over time the body repairs and regenerates these healthy cells, so immunity can be strengthened however, the body's immune system may still be reduced even once active treatment is completed.

It is therefore difficult to know exactly which cancer survivors may be more at risk than others, even if you have completed treatment. We recommend that if you are concerned, you should read the section below on how to limit your risk of exposure. You can also read more about managing your infection risk here.

If you are feeling anxious about your risk of contracting COVID-19, have questions or need support, please remember that Cancer Council's information and support line is available on 13 11 20 during business hours. Our specially trained team can provide emotional support as well as practical tips for minimising the risk of infection during this time. You can also talk to the psychosocial support team within your treatment centre.

Healthdirect Australia's COVID-19 Symptom Checker, is online self-guided tool to help people find out if they need to seek medical help.

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If you are currently experiencing symptoms of infection (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath) or are aware you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact your treatment team.

Where possible, please obtain advice over the phone rather than attending in-person to lower your risk of exposure and to reduce the risk of exposing others.

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While some people may choose to wear a face mask, the current information that is available around COVID-19 from the Department of Health shows that a face mask is not necessary if you are currently well. Wearing of face masks has been recommended only if people are unwell or have been affected by COVID-19 to prevent the spread of this virus to other people. We do however encourage you to follow up with your GP or treating team for specific advice around this so ensure you get the right advice for you. It is important to only use a mask where this is necessary to help preserve supplies of protective equipment for those who need them.

For more information read the Australian Government's factsheet on the use of surgical masks.

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If you or a loved one is living with cancer, have had cancer or are undergoing treatment, in addition to following the Australian government's advice, there are additional precautions you can take to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. In many cases, these will be similar to precautions you may have been given by your treating team. These can include:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or if not immediately available use an alcohol-based hand rub. It's a good idea to carry this with you. It is especially important to wash your hands before eating or drinking.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as this can transfer the virus from surfaces.
  
• Avoid contact with those who are sick or unwell or have been exposed to the virus or may be at higher risk due to recent travel to a high-risk country.
  
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (such as tables, benches, light switches, doorknobs, sinks, toilets, remotes, mobile phone or eating surfaces).
  
• Avoid crowds, crowded areas and unnecessary physical contact, such as shaking hands, hugging or kissing, and limit the number of visitors and carers that accompany you to appointments (if possible). This is especially important if you are currently having chemotherapy or are post-treatments such as bone marrow transplantation. Please note, treatment centres are putting additional measures in place, such as removing every second chair to assist with social distancing, to keep patients safe and to allay anxiety about sitting in busy waiting rooms.
  
• Maintain a 1.5metre physical distance between yourself and others and avoid social habits such as kissing or handshakes.
  
• Talk to your doctor or member of your treatment team about the times in your treatment when you may be at the highest risk of infection so you can plan your activities accordingly (Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to boosting the immune system beyond adhering to a healthy lifestyle).
  
• Stay home as much as possible and avoid non-essential travel and avoid public transport if you can.
  
• Call your treatment team to see if you can do you some of your consultations remotely via phone, Skype or FaceTime.
  

If you have had contact with a person who could be at an increased risk of having COVID-19, avoid any contact with the person who is receiving cancer treatment.

Talk to your health care provider about receiving the influenza vaccination as early in the flu season as possible to avoid passing on other infections and increasing the risk that you or your family member or friend will need healthcare.

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Feelings of worry and uncertainty are a normal response to a stressful situation such as this global pandemic. The primary reason that uncertainty is so stressful is that it erodes our sense of control.

There are strategies you can use to take care of your emotional health and increase your ability to cope. Many of these are skills we recommend for people responding to a cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment and recovery that can also be applied to current circumstances.

See our coping strategies information sheet for some helpful ways to focus on the aspects of life that are within your control. This is the most important coping strategy you can adopt.

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COVID-19 is likely to have impacted upon your routine. Having to stay at home and practice social distancing will mean you are unable to participate in your usual activities that distract you from your worries and concerns. See our things to do to keep you distracted information sheet for some alternative ideas.

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• Cancer Council's 13 11 20 Information and Support Line
  If you are feeling anxious, have questions or need support, please remember that Cancer Council WA's Support and Information line is available on 13 11 20 during business hours. Our specially trained team can provide emotional support as well as practical tips for minimising the risk of infection during this time.
  
• Cancer Council's Online Community
  Social distancing as a result of COVID-19 may impact how you access support. Cancer Council's Online Community is a safe and supportive online discussion site for people affected by cancer, their carers and families.
  
• Australian Government Department of Health
         -   Public health information on Coronavirus
         -   Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
  
• Cancer Australia
  If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and have questions about your cancer treatment and care and COVID19, speak with your GP or cancer care team. To learn more visit Cancer Australia.
  
• Multilingual resources
  Cancer Council recognises that all Australians need access to trusted, up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and cancer. See our support and information multilingual resources available in 12 languages.
  

As restrictions across Western Australia begin to ease around the COVID-19 pandemic, Cancer Council WA would like to reassure you that the health and safety of all of our staff, volunteers, colleagues, patients and families is still our priority when providing any of our services and programs. Please see below for updates, effective 29 June 2020.

• 13 11 20 provides cancer-related information and support to callers from 9am-5pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays). Call 13 11 20 or email questions@cancerwa.asn.au to find out more about the Telstra Bill Assistance Program, how to receive priority home delivery for groceries, Foodbank food vouchers, and all of our other support services.
  
• Regional Cancer Support Coordinators are continuing to support new and existing patients and provide psychosocial support services. You can make an appointment to see a Cancer Support Coordinator in person at one of our regional centres which have now re-opened to visitors, with physical distancing and hand hygiene measures in place; or if you prefer, they are still able to assist you through telephone or video consults. They can also answer any queries about Complementary Therapy, Regional Transport to Treatment and Regional Wig Services in your area. Up-to-date Cancer Support Coordinator contact details can be found on the contact us page.
  
• Counselling Program provides face-to-face and/or free telephone sessions with Counsellors offering emotional support aimed at reducing anxiety and improving coping skills.
  
• Financial Hardship Program is still offering support such as food and fuel vouchers and some bill payments via referral from health professionals and Cancer Support Coordinators.
  
• Life Now Program is offering free online courses in July and August for Yoga and Meditation. Spaces are limited so apply now.
  
• Practical Support Program has resumed offering light domestic cleaning and gardening, and in-home childcare services via referral from health professionals and Cancer Support Coordinators.
  
• Pro bono Program provides free legal and financial support to clients, including writing a Will, financial planning, and appointing a power of attorney or guardianship.
  
• Publications can still be ordered via the order form; however it's also a great opportunity to check out the eBooks or to download your own booklets and factsheets for immediate access; and to listen to the podcasts and webinars.
  
• Wellbeing after Cancer offers support to people whose cancer treatment has finished. Visit Wellbeing after Cancer page for more information or submit a request a callback online form to receive some lifestyle coaching.
  
• Wig Services can help with any headwear requirements via the Products by Post service. Visit the wig service page for more information; or to order headwear, please fill out the wig service product request form.
  
• The Accommodation Lodges are still taking bookings. However, they are guided by federal, state and health department advice and note that the COVID-19 situation may change at any time, so the best recommendation is for callers to get in contact with the Lodges directly so that accommodation service staff can assist them with specific queries. A higher volume of calls is being experienced; however staff are following up on message bank calls asap. Visitors are allowed at the lodges provided they do not present with flu like symptoms or have not been in touch with anyone with flu like symptoms in the past 14 days. Visitors must also adhere to physical distancing and hand hygiene.
  
• Dot's Place Peel will remain closed until 1 August.
  

Cancer Council Australia and all state Cancer Councils are working with supermarkets to ensure that people impacted by cancer have priority access to home delivery for their online food shopping. This service is currently available through Coles and Woolworths.

What is Priority Home Delivery?
Coles offer an access code and Woolworths offer a Kindness Card, both of which allow vulnerable people to access their priority home delivery services for online food shopping.

Please note, these services do not provide any discount for grocery purchases or any vouchers such as those offered by Financial Hardship Program. It simply prioritises a cancer patient’s home delivery of their online grocery shopping.

How do I access this service?
To get access to the Priority Home Delivery services, you will need to call our cancer nurses on 13 11 20 or ask your local Cancer Support Coordinator. If you are eligible for the services, will receive a unique access code.

To be eligible for Priority Home Delivery:

1. You will need to register or already be registered for online shopping with Coles or Woolworths. Please also ensure your local supermarket offers online ordering and home delivery.


2. You must be:
          -   A person diagnosed with cancer; OR
          -   Someone calling on behalf of a person diagnosed with cancer.


3. The person with cancer must be impacted by their diagnosis and unable to shop for food in-store (i.e. low immunity, unwell, limited social support for food shopping).

1. Login to Online shopping.


2. Register for the priority service.


3. Enter the access code or Kindness Card provided by a 13 11 20 cancer nurse or Cancer Support Coordinator.


4. Order your groceries online and confirm your priority home delivery details.

In recognition of the increasing need for financial support during COVID-19, Cancer Council WA’s Financial Hardship Program is working with Foodbank WA and Telstra to offer additional assistance to people with a current, confirmed cancer diagnosis and who are in significant financial distress as a result of that diagnosis.

Applications for Foodbank vouchers and Telstra bill payments are made by a health professional who is aware of the cancer patient’s social and financial situation. The health professional must submit an application to our Financial Hardship Program with consent from the patient.

Foodbank WA
Compared to regular supermarket, cancer patients can purchase groceries from Foodbank at a significantly reduced price. Access to cheaper groceries can substantially reduce cancer patients’ food bills, allowing their limited funds to be put to outstanding bills and other expenses.

Our Financial Hardship Program is currently offering Emergency Relief Vouchers for eligible patients to shop for shelved grocery items at Foodbank distribution centres at Perth Airport, Albany, Bunbury, Joondalup, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie/Boulder and Mandurah; or to choose hamper packs delivered by a mobile van to Fremantle, Midland, Armadale, Ellenbrook, Cockburn and Maddington locations.

The vouchers are loaded with $25 value per card (Please note, patients may receive up to $350 via the Financial Hardship Program, all of which could be in the form of vouchers).

Telstra Bill Assistance Program
The Telstra Bill Assistance Program assists people who are experiencing financial hardship and having difficulty paying their Telstra bill. For cancer patients who may be working and studying from home or self-isolating in response to COVID-19, demand for connectivity will have risen and subsequent higher bills are associated with this.

Our Financial Hardship Program can offer additional financial assistance by paying Telstra bills that have an account number starting with “2000”. Certificates for Telstra Business Accounts or FOXTEL from Telstra Accounts cannot be paid; instead $500 maximum on any one bill or in any one month can be provided for eligible clients.

This support is also open to eligible cancer patients who are in significant financial distress and have already exhausted their Financial Hardship Program funding.

Contact Us
Health professionals and patients are encouraged to consider if these support services are appropriate for them at this time of hardship. For any queries, including client eligibility, please call our cancer nurses on 13 11 20.

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If you are affected by cancer, what does the COVID-19 pandemic mean for you? Should you delay tests and treatment? How can you still get support from those around you? And where can you turn if you need more information or support?

Listen now to the Cancer and COVID-19 podcasts and hear Cancer Council’s health professionals discuss these questions and more.

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