Cause and Cost of Cancer
Cancer is a complex group of diseases caused through genetics, smoking, diet, radiation, and/or viruses. Worldwide, about 1 in every 6 deaths are the result of cancer: it was the cause of an estimated 9.6 million deaths this year. Unfortunately, treatment methods are often extremely expensive and patients tend to not have insurance to cover costs. In 2014 alone, cancer patients without insurance paid up to four billion dollars for treatment. Luckily, organizations, like Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition group (CFAC), helped patients organize the financial fees for their treatment in the best way possible.
Cancer Patients Vulnerability to Covid-19 increases
Covid-19 has detrimental consequences on those with cancer: the weakened immune systems of patients caused by either the sickness or the clinical treatments make it harder for them to fight off the virus. Several studies show that chemotherapy and other cancer treatments increase patients’ vulnerability to Covid-19. Patients who have been treated with CAR T-cell therapies and BiTEs (cancer treatments) can develop a side effect called cytokine release syndrome, similar to the side effects Covid-19 patients experience known as cytokine storms.
Similarities between Covid19 and Cancer
While cancer and Covid-19 are completely different in their development and effect on the body, scientists developing cancer research started to draw parallels from their work to Covid-19. Experts are now testing a new variety of drugs that may help fight Covid-19 such as Acalabrutinib, a treatment for lymphoid cancers. In one trial, scientists discovered that patients suffering from Covid-19 oxygen levels improved dramatically and inflammation decreased.
Impacts of Covid-19 and Cancer Research
In the past, cancer research received the largest funding from generous donors who hoped to help cancer patients around the world. However, this may not be the case in 2020. Due to Covid-19 storming the world, there has been a drastic decrease in funding for cancer research. The American Cancer Society expects 200 million dollars less in donations this year than previous years. Following social distancing guidelines, many cancer research centers halted clinical trials entirely which simultaneously stopped research progression. Additionally, about 60% of clinical centers suspended the collection of blood and other tissues. The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected the world’s social, political, and economic spheres. Now, it is more important than ever to stay strong as a community by creating a safer environment and stopping the spread of the virus to protect cancer patients worldwide.
Sources:
Comments