Macmillan Cancer Support is warning of the devastating impact coronavirus is having on the physical and mental health of people with cancer as they face the two ‘deadly Cs’ all at once.
Research by the charity reveals the scale of fear and anxiety, hundreds of thousands of people are facing as they deal with both the threat of cancer and COVID-19, with 270,0000 (9%) people with cancer having experienced panic or anxiety attacks or even suicidal thoughts because of the virus.
Government advice for those shielding in England is about to change. From 1 August 2020, the advice to ‘shield’ will be paused. From this date, the Government advises those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, should adopt strict social distancing rather than full shielding measures.
This means they may go out to more places and see more people but should take care to minimize contact with others outside their household or support bubble.
Patient names will still be retained on the shielded patient list and if necessary, the Government may ask patients to shield again, depending on the spread of the virus.
Shielded patients in Yorkshire and the Humber reacted cautiously to the news that shielding was to be ‘paused’.
Janine, a breast cancer patient from East Yorkshire, spoke for many when she said she was looking forward to going out more, but would avoid busy supermarkets and shop locally. She was particularly pleased that new laws had been introduced to require shoppers to wear face coverings, which she said would make her feel more confident.
Sandra is a blood cancer patient from York, who was a busy grandmother of four, about to retire from her job in a large supermarket before the pandemic.
However after being struck by an illness unrelated to her cancer, she found herself housebound and unable to drive for several weeks before the coronavirus struck. So when her letter to ‘shield’ arrived, she felt she was already conditioned to stay at home.
Now shielding rules are relaxing, Sandra is finding herself uncharacteristically reluctant to venture into shops.
“I can’t believe I am worried about shopping in a supermarket after working in one for so many years. Hearing that as a blood cancer patient, I would be at risk from the virus has left me feeling anxious and nervous,” she explained.
Used to being independent, she has found having to rely on others for shopping and necessities quite difficult, and she’s found not being able to hug her grandchildren is heartbreaking.
“Lockdown has hit me harder, than I thought it would. I try not to watch the news and take pleasure in my garden and going for a walk.”
To try and cope with her fears, Sandra is easing herself gently back into routines by ordering shopping from a Click and Collect point and visiting garden centres and small neighbourhood shops early in the morning, when they are likely to be quieter.
Joy runs a patient support group in North Yorkshire and said: ”I have been out to do my own shopping for the last couple of weeks, so I am not afraid to go out. In speaking to the group members quite a few are very apprehensive to go out even people who I wouldn’t have thought would be.
All the media coverage has made them very frightened, but we can’t be prisoners in our own homes, that is more frightening to me, losing independence is not for me.”
David who has been shielding in Leeds was pleased the rules were being relaxed, and that decision making was being handed back to the individual.
He felt better placed to make decisions about his lifestyle and whether or not to commence his work based on personal risk assessments.
“I know what’s right for me and need to make my own judgements about carrying out my work, rather than being told what to do by someone who has no idea about my circumstances, “ he added.
John, who runs a colorectal and urology support group in Wakefield said: “Some people will be relieved the situation is relaxing, and be taking full advantage of that, whilst there will be some still afraid to take a risk. I really don’t think we can generalise about this, because there will be many different personal stories to tell, with many different outcomes, so I intend to keep as safe as possible, and not endanger my family’s lives by being reckless.
“Guidance might tell us one thing, but I think all responsible people will make up their own minds as to how safe it is to come out of lockdown.”
In Barnsley, Paula, a support group leader said there were mixed emotions within her group. Members had to decide for themselves what they felt comfortable doing, and initially it was baby steps to rebuild confidence. Some were now venturing out for the first time, and although it felt unnerving at first, they were quickly building confidence.
For those who have been in receipt of supermarket deliveries during lockdown, these will still continue. Support will continue to be available through the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme and patients can self refer. Shielded patients will also be able to access transport to medical appointments.
For more information go online at GOV.UK.