Having a diagnosis of breast cancer can be extremely stressful, especially during a global COVID-19 pandemic. Up until now, our focus in WA has primarily been around the vaccination but, with COVID-19 in our community, there are more areas of concern for people affected by breast cancer. On this page are links to the latest information about COVID care and cancer care for people affected by breast cancer.
COVID-19 Vaccination
ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) has recommended that all people aged 16 and over, including those affected by cancer, have a booster shot. This includes people who are immunocompromised and had a third shot as part of their vaccination program (given between two and four months after the second shot).
This means that some people with breast cancer will have a total of three vaccinations (two vaccinations plus a booster), and those considered to be severely immunocompromised will have four (three vaccinations plus a booster).
Boosters are recommended three months after your second (or third) vaccination.
For more information go to the Cancer Australia page or Breast Cancer Network Australia page on COVID 19 vaccination.
Managing cancer care in context of COVID-19
It is important that people being treated for cancer who test positive for COVID-19 can make decisions with their treating team about their cancer treatment and COVID-19 care. The resources below are specifically for people affected by cancer who test positive for COVID:
- Cancer Australia – Managing your cancer care if you test positive – Information to help you make decisions with your treating team about how your cancer care is managed and provides links to other resources.
- WA Health – COVID care at home – Information about home monitoring care for COVID positive patients.
Keeping safe with COVID-19 for immunocompromised patients
Being treated for breast cancer can mean that you may be immunocompromised and at risk of more severe disease so it is important you do what you can to minimise your risk of infection.
- Cancer Australia – COVID-19 informaton for people affected by cancer – Informaton about reducing your risk, FAQs about COVID-19 and links to more information and support.
- South Metro Health Service – COVID-19 advice for immunocompromised patients – A range of information on how you can decrease your risk of infection with COVID-19 including information about different types of masks, what to do if you are exposed in the community and what to do if you test positive.