Information for patients undergoing cancer treatment
Instructions for patients scheduled for new treatment at Odette Cancer Centre
For your health, we want to ensure you lower your chance of getting COVID-19 in the time leading up to and during your cancer treatment.
Pre-treatment COVID-19 testing
Some patients will have a COVID-19 test before their treatment, even if they don’t have symptoms. Your doctor will arrange for that test here at the Odette Cancer Centre. Your first treatment or radiation planning appointment will be about 72 hours after your test.
While you wait for your COVID-19 test results
As always during the COVID-19 pandemic, please stay home and apart from others as much as possible. If you develop symptoms, call your care team.
On the day of your treatment appointment
- Plan to have someone drop you off at the T-Wing East entrance. A volunteer will help you get to your appointment if necessary.
- Check yourself for symptoms.
- Wear a mask. If you don’t have a mask, one will be given to you at the entrance.
Visitors and companions
- There are no visitors or family companions allowed in the hospital, not even to accompany you on the day of treatment. We know this is difficult for you; this is to keep our patients and staff safe.
- Members of the team are available to help you get around the cancer centre if needed.
Throughout your cancer treatment
Your immune system can be weakened by cancer treatment. Please follow Public Health guidelines: limit your close contacts and stay home as much as possible during this time.
Wear a mask
- Wear a mask, even at home, when you are within 6 feet (or 2 metres) of anyone.
- The mask can be any mask you have access to, including a cloth mask.
- Whenever you are in close contact with anyone, ask them to wear a mask to protect you.
Clean your hands
- Wash your hands often for at least 15 seconds.
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces daily.
Check for symptoms
Tell your care team (doctor, nurse or radiation therapist) right away if you or someone in your house develops COVID-19 symptoms, or are diagnosed with COVID-19.
For more information, please visit sunnybrook.ca/covid19/cancer