Hiya Gorgeous!
The COVID-19 crisis has been a source of stress and anxiety for us all—but that’s especially true for cancer patients and their loved ones. While many cancer patients understand they’re at a higher risk of serious complications from coronavirus, they’re also unsure what that really means—or what to do about it.
And even cancer patients who are either stable or in remission know they need to take special care, but may not know how. As a 17-year cancer-thriver myself, I’ve been taking extra precautions during this time, while encouraging and supporting my dad (who has pancreatic cancer) to do the same.
To that end, I want to bring in some expert advice to help guide us. I’ve called on my brilliant friend, Lizabeth Gold, who’s a Registered Dietitian at the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment.
She’s here to share her wisdom and provide you with 8 actionable steps you can take to stay as safe as possible during the coronavirus.
Just know that I’m standing with you, my fellow thrivers. We’ll weather this storm side-by-side.
I’ll let Liz take it from here.
Cancer Patient Care During the Coronavirus

Whether you’re a cancer patient or a caretaker, you’re likely experiencing a lot of fear and uncertainty since the onset of COVID-19.
Today, we’ll help reduce some of that confusion and give you 8 clear steps you can use to stay safer during the coronavirus. But first, let’s establish why that’s necessary.
Why Cancer Patients Should Exercise Care During the Coronavirus
Much is still unclear about the coronavirus in general—and that’s especially true when it comes to its specific implications for cancer patients.
However, we do know with certainty that cancer patients who contract COVID-19 are at a higher risk of severe complications.
While your exact risk level will vary based on your immune system and other health conditions, research shows that cancer patients as an overall population are three times more likely to experience severe complications from COVID-19. Those who are actively undergoing treatment are at higher risk than those in remission.
One possible cause of that increased risk is that COVID complications become severe when the immune system “overreacts” and initiates what is best called an “inflammatory storm”. This high level of inflammation is a major cause of the respiratory symptoms and heart issues you’ve heard about connected to the coronavirus.
Coinciding with this, a new research study found that the immune systems of cancer patients can be altered in subtle ways for long periods of time after treatment. While that alteration is helpful for keeping cancer at bay, it could cause problems for those exposed to infections or viruses like COVID.
Do Certain Cancer Types or Treatments Make You More Susceptible?
The simple answer is yes.
Type of Cancer: Diseases that affect the lungs or immune system (like lung cancer and cancers of the blood, myelomas, or lymphomas) can significantly increase the risk of complications from COVID. These patients should be extra vigilant.
Reach out to your oncologist and ask for specific directions to ensure your safety, especially if you’re receiving treatments. Be sure to ask:
- What special precautions do they recommend?
- Is there anything you should monitor more closely such as blood oxygenation, blood pressure, or temperature?
- Are there any important medications you should keep on hand in case something happens?
Type of Treatment: Bone marrow transplants, immunosuppressive therapies, surgeries, side effects from chemotherapies, and radiation can all affect patient immune status. There are major differences in side effects from one cancer therapy to another and each person’s body reacts differently. Transplant patients may remain at higher risk for up to one year or even longer.
It is important to stay on top of laboratory values that tell you how your immune system is functioning at any particular time. Ask your doctor which lab values you should track and at what frequency for a full picture. If you are able, take care of your lungs and heart by continuing to exercise and carefully monitor for any signs of shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fever, or muscle aches. Work with your doctor to discuss other ways to minimize organ damage as you go through treatment.
Also, be aware that your treatment regimen may be changed to reduce the time you spend in hospitals and clinics to lessen your risk of infection. Surgery for the very earliest stages of some cancers may be delayed until after the pandemic’s peak. If your treatment is delayed, you can take the time to consult with an integrative cancer center (like the Block Center) and get a cancer-fighting health regimen in place right away.
Stage and Timing of Treatment: Chemotherapy can have a cumulative effect. Early on in the treatment cycle, your body is stronger and your heart, lungs and immune system will be functioning more effectively than if you are at the end of your treatment regimen. Studies have also shown that the more recent your treatment, the more susceptible you will be to complications from COVID. Patients who have relapsed or are metastatic will have a weaker immune response.
Health Status Before Treatment: As with anyone, underlying conditions like asthma, diabetes, COPD, immunodeficiencies, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, kidney disease, smoking and obesity are all risk factors. Having two or more of these conditions increases risk exponentially, even for individuals who do not have cancer. It is critical that you follow all of the directions from your doctor regarding medications and therapies that address any of these conditions.
So What is the Bottom Line?
In short, cancer patients should take a defensive approach to COVID-19.
It’s important to do everything you can to both prevent exposure and support your overall health. Therefore, we’ve put together 8 recommended steps to optimize your health during the pandemic.
It’s worth noting that these simple, immune-boosting behaviors will also help you fight your cancer. Cancer and COVID-19 share a surprisingly large number of risk factors. The nutritional and lifestyle advice we give cancer patients at the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment also specifically targets the biology that puts you at risk for coronavirus infection.
8 Steps to Minimize Coronavirus Risk for Cancer Patients
Step 1: Follow the CDC Guidelines
First and foremost, follow the CDC general guidelines for COVID-19 and then some. Here is a CDC guideline refresher (and some additional considerations for the cancer community):
- Stay home as much as possible. Your main goal should always be to prevent coronavirus exposure in the first place. To that end, ask your doctor if your treatment allows for a change in frequency. For example, a cycle every three weeks instead of every two weeks?
- Wear a mask when going anywhere outside of your own home or car. Keep in mind that wearing a mask is more for the protection of others and does not replace hand washing or social distancing rules. Wash your hands frequently using the 20-second rule and try to avoid touching your face, nose or mouth.
- Keep hand sanitizer with you at all times. Stash some in various places like your car, purse, backpack, coat pocket, etc.
- Practice social distancing everywhere you go including your treatment center. Your treatment center should have strict guidelines in place regarding temperature and symptom checks along with proper procedures for their nurses and technicians.
- Do not leave home if you are experiencing any symptoms. Use this CDC symptom checker if you are unsure.
- Travel in your own car and try to avoid stopping. Pack a lunch and use the bathroom before you go! Use gloves at gas stations and try to pay at the pump versus handing someone your card.
- If you travel out of town, call the hotel and check to make sure they are utilizing extra precautions. Also, plan to take your own wipes and disinfectant to clean all “high touch” areas of the hotel room like doorknobs, buttons and phones.
- If you’re traveling for treatment, inquire with your treatment center. Some centers that cater to out-of-town patients have been able to secure a set of rooms that are specially treated. You can also ask your doctor if it’s possible to transfer your care to a local provider until the COVID crisis is over.
- Find out what procedural changes your particular treatment center has implemented to adjust for COVID concerns. For example, family members may no longer be allowed to accompany you unless absolutely necessary. Some cancer treatments can be safely delayed and certain appointments should be conducted via televisit, if possible.
Step 2: Eat Well
For cancer patients, it’s important to remember that your immune system crosstalks with your gut bacteria and your muscles. As such you should do two things:
- First, make sure to get enough protein. (Basic requirements for protein are about 1 gram of protein for every kilogram of body weight. If you weigh 60 kilograms, or about 135 lbs, shoot for 60 grams of protein daily.) Beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, quinoa and buckwheat are all great sources.
- Second, focus on prebiotic foods. Ingredients like sauerkraut, kimchi, non-dairy yogurts, miso, tempeh, root vegetables, mushrooms, oats, chicory, bananas, lentils and jicama are great for supporting gut health.
A balanced diet also ensures adequate vitamin and mineral intake and this could make a big difference in fighting off the coronavirus. For example, according to a preliminary study of global COVID mortality rates, researchers are finding lower rates of mortality among countries in the southern hemisphere, indicating a possible link between Vitamin D deficiency and complications from COVID. Although more research needs to be done, we do know Vitamin D plays an important role in suppressing inflammation and regulating immunity, so this scenario seems likely.
Step 3: Stay Connected
Make time with friends and family, even from afar. That’s especially important for patients who need both support and social separation for immune health.
Enjoy the extra time at home with your immediate family with fun activities like a family game night or movie marathon. And use technology to create lines of communication to your distant loved ones. Apps like Facetime, Zoom, Google Hangouts and Skype all make it really easy to stay in touch. For older patients who may not be comfortable with technology, an amazing site called Generations on Line can help guide them through using these types of applications.
To start feeling more connected today, sign up for Kris’ free Cancer Patient Support series. You’ll get five days of free resources—including cancer-friendly recipes and tips for managing treatment side effects—based on Kris’ own journey with cancer. You can find those here.
Kris, you are a bright light in what can be a dark place. So full of life, love, information and encouragement – and you share them all with a generous spirit. After reading your letters, I feel hugged and empowered. You are a gift to us all!
My daughter was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma 5 days before Christmas, 2016. 2017 was the hardest year of our lives. We will celebrate 2 years in remission for her next month. I’m so thankful that I found you!
Thanks for your kind words sweetie! Congratulations to your beautiful daughter being in remission! xo
I joined Inner Circle Wellness (ICW). Kris Carr’s creation. Tons of community support, nourishments recipes and fun!
Yay Lisa! I am so happy that you are in the Inner Circle Wellness with me! xo
Perfect! I love this! Evidence based, holistic, comprehensive, everything I was looking for. I love the linked Block article also, so much information I haven’t seen summarized before. I have a possible vulnerability, so I’m as cautious as I can be, and also trying to maintain good general health, while at the same time maintaining a relaxed positive attitude (as much as I can right now!). (long time CSYer and ICW member 🙂 ) Stay healthy!!!!
I’m so happy that you found this helpful Anne! Cheers to staying healthy! xo
Such great tips! I had a wedge lung resection for a small metastasis of colorectal cancer. This was four years ago and I’ve been NED since then. Am I still at increased risk?
Congrats on being NED for the past 4 years! You’ll want to speak with your physician who knows your personal history to see your risk level. With all this great info though, you have the tools to take care of precious you! xo
Thanks love all these information.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this info Rolando! xo
Thank you Kris for everything! I don’t respond much but you have been an inspiration of wellness for almost a decade now!
I am using this time to really do a deep Spring clean in all areas of our life. Right now I’m working on the kitchen!
A question I thought you might have more information was about avocados and possible other fruits and vegetables that are irradiated. How healthy can this be, and what foods are “sanitized” by irradiation?
Thank you again for everything always!!! Love your spirit!!!