Get help: COVID-19 Coronavirus
We know that it is currently a worrying and uncertain time, but we are here to support you.
WEE ARE FAMILY. Whether you need someone to chat with or information on staying connected during this challenging time, we're here to support you.
Some of the guidance listed below was developed by One Cancer Voice and Cancer 52 in partnership with NHS England. Fight Bladder Cancer is a proud member of Cancer52.
Where can I find support during the pandemic?
We are not currently hosting any face-to-face support groups, however we would be delighted to help you set up an online support group via videoconference. Please contact getinvolved@fightbladdercancer.co.uk.
If you would like an online bladder buddy, please contact support@fightbladdercancer.co.uk
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit our private online forum, email us, or phone us on 01844 351621.
Your questions answered
Here we address some of the most common questions from bladder cancer patients in related to Covid-19. If you have any additional questions please just drop us an email or call us on 01844 351621.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a new virus that can affect your lungs and airways. It is a type of virus called coronavirus. The symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, a high temperature, shortness of breath. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
Transmission occurs primarily from coughs and sneezes within a range of about 6 feet (1.8 m). Indirect contact via contaminated surfaces is another possible cause of infection.
Covid-19 Vaccination Programme
An effective vaccine is the best way to protect the most vulnerable from coronavirus and the biggest breakthrough since the pandemic began. A huge step forward in our fight against coronavirus, potentially saving tens of thousands of lives.
The UK government has secured early access to 367 million vaccine doses through agreements with seven separate vaccine developers, giving the UK the best chance of securing a safe and effective vaccine at the quickest speed. Now that some vaccines has been approved by the medicines regulator, the MHRA, they are available from the NHS - for free – to everyone who will benefit, starting with those most at risk.
The NHS is delivering the Covid-19 vaccination programme. It is built on the NHS’s expertise delivering immunisation programmes including the flu vaccination programme.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are the independent experts who advise the Government on which vaccine/s the UK should use and provide advice on who should be offered the vaccination first.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is recommending that most people, including cancer patients, receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
The following groups are being prioritised for vaccination:
- residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
- all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
- all those 75 years of age and over
- all those 70 years of age and over, people undergoing active systemic chemotherapy through an IV drip, people undergoing radiotherapy, people undergoing treatment with pembrolizumab/atezolizumab/avelumab, and people who have planned cancer surgery scheduled in the near future [this does not include intravesical BCG treatment that is inserted into your bladder]
- all those 65 years of age and over
- all individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality [which includes bladder cancer patients not covered by #4 above], and unpaid carers and other adults living with a cancer patient
- all those 60 years of age and over
- all those 55 years of age and over
- all those 50 years of age and over
The Covid-19 vaccination programme aims to first vaccinate the people who are at the greatest risk of harm from Covid-19 infection.
People undergoing active systemic chemotherapy or treatment with pembrolizumab/atezolizumab/avelumab are likely to have a worse reaction to infection with Covid-19, compared to people undergoing BCG treatment. This is because anti-cancer drugs that are administered through an IV drip affect the whole body, while BCG generally affects only the bladder. This is why people receiving anti-cancer treatment through an IV drip are being vaccinated before people receiving BCG treatment.
Further advice for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine:
- Allergies – anyone with a previous history of allergic reactions to the ingredients of the vaccine should not receive it, but those with any other allergies such as a food allergy can now have the vaccine
- Pregnancy – the vaccine should only be considered for use in pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks for the mother and baby. People who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should discuss the benefits and risks of having the vaccine with their healthcare professional and reach a joint decision based on individual circumstances
- Breastfeeding – Women who are breastfeeding can be given the vaccine (this advice is in line with pregnancy and breastfeeding advice for the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine)
- Age – vaccination for people aged under 16 years of age is not currently recommended
Exactly when you receive the vaccine will be determined by your age and your type of cancer treatment.
If you have questions about the vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
What should I do if I have cancer symptoms?
Cancer hasn't stopped. Contact your GP if you have:
- Bleeding that doesn't come from an injury
- Weight loss / loss of appetite
- Pain / infection that won't go away
If you have cancer, you will get checked & treated. The NHS will give you the care you need.
Will my bladder cancer treatment be changed?
We know that everyone in the NHS is working unbelievably hard, and that many of you are now being called in for your previously postponed treatments and procedures. In the event however of any disruption, clinicians will always make decisions to prioritise treatment for those most in need and the focus will be to help those most at risk.
You might have questions like "How should I contact my urology team?", "What happens if I am self-isolating?", and "What happens if my appointment is cancelled?". The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) have published answers to these and other questions on their website.
Many hospitals have been using telephone or video consultations as a way of helping people to avoid long waits in clinics and for treatment. You may be called to arrange your treatments in this way, and planned treatments may need to be moved to help with running a smooth service.
For more information, health care professionals can see the NICE guidelines for delivery of systemic anticancer treatments and the NHS Clinical guide for the management of non-coronavirus patients requiring acute treatment.
If you receive notification of postponement of your treatment, rest assured that your Urology team will be doing their utmost to reschedule regular treatments and check-ups as soon as possible.
Many of you are understandably concerned or expressing anxiety. There are people who will continue to care for you. Please know, particularly at this time, that you are not alone.
I am on chemotherapy. If I experience sweats/ cough/ shivering should I call NHS 111 or the chemotherapy care line?
You should call the chemotherapy care line.
If I need to self-isolate for more than seven days, what will happen in relation to treatment that has to be done weekly?
Your clinical team are best placed to talk with you about the effect on your treatment and appointments. They will work with you to determine the best course of action in each individual situation.
I have been exposed to the virus and am a carer for someone with cancer. What should I do? Who will look after the person I care for if I am unable to?
The Government is currently advising that if you have symptoms and you live with a vulnerable person, you should try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
If you provide essential care (such as help with washing, dressing, or preparing meals), you may find this government guidance on Home care provision useful.
It is also a good idea to think about what happens if you become unwell. If you need help with care but you're not sure who to contact, or if you do not have family or friends who can help, you can contact your local council who should be able to help you. Carers UK have also produced advice for those currently caring for others
Reduce the risk of infection
Some people with cancer are more at risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract the COVID-19 infection.
Preventive measures to reduce the chances of infection include: stay home, avoid travel and public activities, wash hands with soap and hot water often, cover nose/mouth with a tissue if coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Physical distancing strategies aim to reduce contact of infected persons with large groups by closing schools and workplaces, restricting travel and cancelling mass gatherings.
Your mental health
Coping with social distancing and self-isolation
We acknowledge the mental strain that social distancing will have on people. You may be well enough to do some tidying up around the house, or do some DIY jobs that have been on your list for ages. Perhaps you could catch up on the box set you haven't yet watched, or learn a new hobby or skill by following some online tutorials.
Exercise is important, so try to continue with your usual activities as far as possible, or substitute them for something you can do at home. Don't forget that putting on your favourite music and dancing is a great way to exercise and it can make you feel less anxious too.
Some more strategies to help this include:
- Joining the Fight Bladder Cancer online private forum
- Calling, video-chatting and messaging friends and family
- Watching TV and movies
- Writing, scrapbooking, and reading
- Knitting, crocheting, de-cluttering, and gardening
- Yoga, mindfulness meditation, and 10-minute workouts
- Playing games, solving jigsaw puzzles, building Lego and creating art
- Listening to podcasts and audiobooks, watching YouTube
For more tips, please see the iPsy-19 Psychological TIPS to cope with COVID-19.
Financial help
These changes could have financial implications for many people. If you are concerned, you should contact your employer, mortgage provider or relevant organisation. The Citizens Advice Bureau will also be able to help.
How do I talk to younger people about the coronavirus?
For advice on how to talk to younger people about the coronavirus, you may wish to see the advice from the American National Association of School Psychologists.
Where can I get support?
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit our private online forum, email us, or phone us on 01844 351621.
Get in touch
We’ve done everything we can to make all the information on this site as accurate as possible. Whilst we have had support from a small team of medical professionals advisors to review the general medical content of this site, please remember, that only YOUR medical team can give YOU specific advice about YOUR symptoms or illness. We encourage you to discuss any potential options with them.