Specific FAQs about COVID-19 for Cancer Patients

Because cancer treatments weaken the body's immune system, cancer patients are among those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from COVID-19

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

- Stay at home if possible.

- Wash your hands often.

- Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others (stay 6 feet away, which is about two arms’ length).

- Keep away from people who are sick.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

- Avoid non-essential travel.

Should I wear a face mask?

The Medical City requires all patients, visitors, and staff to wear face masks while at the hospital.

Wearing a face mask is unlikely to protect you from getting COVID-19. However, it may prevent you from infecting others if you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 without showing symptoms. This is particularly important if you will be around health care providers or other cancer patients while getting treatment. The Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute (APSCI) is unable to provide face masks to all cancer patients due to limited supply, but you may be able to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a cloth mask.

Will my cancer care appointments at the Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute be canceled?

Your Attending Physician will review each patient's care needs and determine the medical necessity for each individual. We continue to do everything possible to ensure you receive the care you need.

To better ensure that we limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19, all consults will be scheduled. 

For those who have chemotherapy appointments, please keep your appointment unless your care team contacts you to reschedule. We are working diligently to ensure that there are no disruptions in chemotherapy.

Please be assured this is a temporary pause in some of our outpatient clinical practice as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute will continue to serve the needs of our patients. The changes required during the pandemic response have been difficult and have caused a lot of concern and frustration. COVID-19 continues to impact everyone in unprecedented ways.

Limitation in the number of companion at the Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute

To protect all of our patients and staff, Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute is limiting the number of companion into one (1) while at the hospital.

Should I be concerned if The Medical City is treating COVID-19 patients?

Patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are isolated and treated with the highest standard of care. Extraordinary precautions are taken to ensure The Medical City remains a safe place for patients.

What is The Medical City doing to ensure patient safety?

The Medical City takes the safety of patient and staff seriously. We have detailed and thorough plans for patient care and for the protection of our staff. The Medical City staff at all locations have been trained and are prepared to care for patients with serious infections such as COVID-19.

The Medical City Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute (APSCI) is open to serve the needs of our cancer patients. Please call to schedule appointment at telephone no. 8988-1000 local 6214.