ANNOUNCEMENT – ONCOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF CYPRUS OEK – 19/03/2020

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CYPRUS ONCOLOGICAL SOCIETY ( O . E . K .)

To avoid panic among cancer patients regarding the risk they run for infection with the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the Cyprus Oncology Society, following the example of the Hellenic Society of Oncologists (E.O.P.E) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), wishes to clarify that from a scientific point of view, cancer patients are divided into those who have recently, usually up to 6 months, completed treatments that cause immunosuppression, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and other targeted therapies, and those beyond 6 months and are under monitoring.

The latter are at similar risk as the rest of the population and should follow the announced protective measures, avoid unnecessary travel to healthcare facilities and reschedule their regular appointment to a time determined by the treating physician or have the consultation conducted via telemedicine where possible.

Based on the announcement of the Ministry of Health dated March 16, 2020, people with malignancy (hematological or solid organ malignancy) fall into vulnerable groups of the population and the employer should give them the option to work from home.

From the Board of Directors of OEK

March 19, 2020