COVID-19 and Cancer
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals. Four common coronaviruses cause the common cold; several other coronaviruses cause more serious disease. One of these is a novel (new) coronavirus that spreads from person to person and has caused a pandemic of respiratory disease. The virus has been named SARS-CoV-2, and the disease it causes has been named coronavirus disease 2019, which is abbreviated COVID-19.
COVID-19 has affected daily life around the globe, and the challenges it poses can be particularly difficult for people with cancer and their loved ones. Many patients have questions about COVID-19, how the public health emergency may affect their cancer care, and what NCI is doing to respond to the pandemic.
NCI Information Specialists are available to help answer your questions about coronavirus and cancer Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET.
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COVID-19: What People with Cancer Should Know
Some cancers and cancer treatments may increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Learn how people with cancer can protect themselves and what they should do if they have symptoms of a COVID-19 infection.
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COVID-19 Vaccines and People with Cancer
Are there some cancer patients who should not get a COVID-19 vaccine? Do COVID-19 vaccines make cancer treatment less effective? Can COVID-19 vaccines cause cancer? This page answers these and other questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
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NCI COVID-19 Research Initiatives
NCI experts are studying SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19’s effect on people with cancer, and how to treat them.
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NCI-Supported Clinical Trials for Coronavirus
NCI supports clinical trials for patients with COVID-19.