Cancer and COVID-19

Cancer Australia and Cancer Council and Peter Mac have up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccines for people affected by cancer. They cover areas like safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, delivery of the vaccines, recommendations for cancer patients, side effects, and more.

Cancer Australia has up-to-date information in 10 community languages for people affected by cancer.

You may be able to attend your cancer treatment appointments from home by phone or video. These are both types of telehealth. You can still use an interpreter for telehealth appointments.

To find out more about telehealth for cancer patients and carers, download our fact sheets in English and in community languages and listen to our podcast on Telehealth for Cancer.

The NSW government requires wearing a face mask in certain situations. These rules may change from time to time, so it is best to check regularly for updates.

In addition, if your immune system is compromised by cancer treatment, you may wish to wear a mask in the following circumstances.

• when it may be hard to maintain physical distance from other people, such as on public transport or in supermarkets
• in public indoor settings with a higher risk of transmission
• during visits to hospital, treatment centres or your GP
• when attending a place of worship.

Masks are not a substitute for physical distancing. They should be seen as another line of defence, after staying at home, maintaining a 1.5-metre social distancing and good hand hygiene.

For information on how to wear and use masks properly, visit the Australian Government website.

• Visit NSW Government and the Department of Health for  comprehensive information and the latest advice on COVID-19.
• Call your General Practitioner or the 24-hour National Coronavirus Health Information line on 1800 020 080 if you are exposed to COVID-19 or begin to experience symptoms.
• Contact Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for any other cancer-related information and support.
• Check the Government websites regularly as information about COVID-19 and public health messages are changing.
• See support and information about cancer and COVID-19 in 12 languages other than English.