COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and My Cancer Treatment
This leaflet provides information for patients who are about to start cancer treatment. It explains what you can do to protect yourself, and what we will do to protect you from COVID-19.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19.
COVID-19 is a serious viral infection. For many people the symptoms are mild. Those with a weakened immune system are more at risk of becoming severely ill if they catch COVID-19.
The most frequently occurring symptoms are:
Other symptoms that may also occur are;
COVID testing before daycase or outpatient treatment?
You can do this test yourself at home before coming to the hospital. If you are unable to do this test for yourself please let us know.
Before each treatment on the day unit;
We recommend that you do a lateral flow test and check your temperature before coming to the hospital.
If the result is positive, you have any of the COVID symptoms listed above, please do not come to the hospital for treatment. Phone 029 20615888 and ask for the Treatment Helpline (available 24 hours).
We recommend that you take a lateral flow test within 24 hours of your first Radiotherapy treatment.
We also recommend that before leaving home, you check your temperature and do a lateral flow test twice a week during your course of Radiotherapy.
If you are due to have Brachytherapy or TBI treatment you will be referred for a PCR test before you start treatment
If the result is positive or you have any of the COVID symptoms, please do not come to the hospital for treatment. Contact either the Radiotherapy treatment machine or the Radiotherapy Superintendents on 02920 615 888.
Before Nuclear Medicine out-patient treatments:
We recommend that you should take lateral flow tests for 2 days prior to your treatment date and also on the morning of your treatment date.
If the result is positive, or you have any of the COVID symptoms, please do not come to the hospital for treatment. Contact either the Nuclear Medicine department on 02920 316237 or phone 02920 615888.
COVID testing before inpatient chemotherapy treatment?
You can do this test yourself at home before coming to the hospital. If you are unable to do this test for yourself please let us know.
In addition, if your treatment requires an overnight stay you will need to have a PCR COVID test by throat swab on the day of admission.
How to get a supply of lateral flow tests
Lateral flow tests can be obtained free for patients undergoing cancer treatment. You can order tests on line;
https://gov.wales/get-tested-coronavirus-covid-19
or call 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free).
Your test pack will usually arrive within 3 days. It might take longer during busy periods or holidays.
You can collect a small supply of COVID tests from Velindre while waiting for your order.
What should you do to avoid getting COVID-19 before and during your cancer treatment?
It is important that you do not get COVID-19 before you start treatment and that you minimise the risk of developing COVID-19 during your treatment course.
In order to protect yourself, as well as other patients and staff at the hospital it is essential that you:
What else is advised?
To reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 we advise that for 3 days before you start, and throughout your treatment course as far as possible, you should:
We understand that your cancer treatment may go on for some time and that it is important to keep in touch with family and close friends. We ask you to be sensible and to maintain social distance and hand-washing advice to the best of your ability.
Can I have the COVID-19 vaccine while I am having chemotherapy / immunotherapy or other anti-cancer medicines?
Yes we recommend that you have the vaccine when you are offered. Ideally you should be vaccinated before your treatment starts.
If you are receiving chemotherapy the immunisation may be less effective because your immune response may be lowered. This reduces your body’s ability to form the antibodies needed to protect you from COVID infection.
If a COVID vaccine is given during a course of chemotherapy this should ideally be done when your white cell count is at a normal level. The reason to avoid being vaccinated when your white cell count is low is because you may develop a raised temperature. This could be confused with a fever, caused by infection, and could result in unnecessary hospital treatment.
Your doctor or nurse will be able to advise you on the right time to have your vaccine.
When you come to the hospital for appointments:
Tell us if you have not been well over the last few days so that we can ensure that we can care for you properly.
What are we doing to protect you?
What can I expect on the day of treatment?
What if I need to pick up oral medications from the Pharmacy Department?
In order to promote social distancing and reducing footfall through the hospital, patients are encouraged not to wait for their medications in the pharmacy waiting area.
COVID-19 treatment
If you have a positive COVID-19 test you may be able to have treatment with neutralising antibodies or anti-viral medication.
This is available for people who are not in hospital but who are considered at highest risk of severe illness, hospital admission or death.
You will need to report your COVID test so your details can be checked against those registered as eligible for these treatments.
You can report lateral flow tests on line on the government website:
https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result
or phone 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free).
This treatment is not given by Velindre. If you have reported a positive COVID test, and you are eligible for treatment you will be contacted by your local health board. Further information is available from the National Antiviral Service Cymru:
https://www.wmic.wales.nhs.uk/navs-cymru
Further information about COVID is available from:
Welsh Government guidance:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Topic | GOV.WALES
For COVID -19 treatment:
https://gov.wales/covid-19-treatments
Macmillan coronavirus information: