COVID-19 and Breast Cancer
This page has information about coronavirus (COVID-19) for people with breast cancer, their loved ones and caregivers.
For more information on COVID-19 for people with cancer, visit the American Cancer Society website.
What is COVID-19?
A coronavirus causes the respiratory disease COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019.
Most cases of COVID-19 are mild. However, some people can become very sick. Being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines protects against severe illness from COVID-19 and limits the spread of the virus.
Am I at risk of COVID-19?
People who are older or who have other health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, are at greater risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.
If you’re being treated for breast cancer, or have metastatic breast cancer, your immune system may be weakened. This means you have an increased risk of getting sick from COVID-19.
If you’re not sure if you have a weakened immune system, talk with your doctor.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Possible symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
For more information on the symptoms of COVID-19 and when to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms, visit the American Cancer Society website.
What can I do to protect myself, my loved ones and my caregivers?
To protect against COVID-19, the American Cancer Society recommendations include [1]:
- Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
- Talking with your doctor about medications that may lower your risk of COVID-19 if you have a weakened immune system.
- Staying home if you have symptoms.
- Seeking treatment if you test positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of getting very sick.
You can also help stop the spread of germs by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer).
What other steps can I take to protect myself and others?
To protect yourself further, the American Cancer Society suggests additional steps including [1]:
- Avoiding indoor spaces that are crowded or aren’t well ventilated.
- Wearing a face mask.
COVID-19 vaccines
It’s important to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines [1]. If you’re not sure when to get a vaccine, talk with your doctor or check the American Cancer Society website.
COVID-19 vaccine and mammography
COVID-19 vaccines may cause temporary swelling in the lymph nodes in the underarm area. If you’re getting a mammogram soon after you get a COVID-19 vaccine, let your doctor know when you got the vaccine and in which arm you got the shot. They can tell you whether you should change your mammogram appointment. It’s important not to delay your mammogram without discussing it with your doctor [2].
Timing of a COVID-19 vaccine if you’re having surgery
If you’re having breast surgery (or other surgery) and you’re due for a COVID-19 vaccine, ask your surgeon when it’s best to get the vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines for people who’ve had an allergic reaction to some medications in the past
If you’ve had an immediate allergic reaction in the past to a vaccine, an IV (by vein) medication or a medication given by injection, talk with your doctor to find out which COVID-19 vaccine would be best for you. If needed, your doctor can refer you to an allergy or immunology specialist for guidance.
COVID-19 vaccines for people with weakened immune systems
If you’re being treated for breast cancer, or you have metastatic breast cancer, your immune system may be weakened.
If you’re moderately to severely immunocompromised (or if you’re not sure if you have a weakened immune system), talk with your doctor about the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations best for you.
Should I get a flu shot?
The flu vaccine protects against the 3-4 viruses most likely to be common each flu season.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Cancer Society recommend people with breast cancer and their caregivers get a flu shot every year.
Find more information about the flu for people with breast cancer on the American Cancer Society website.
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References
- American Cancer Society. Questions about COVID-19 and cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/coronavirus-covid-19-and-cancer/questions-about-covid-19-and-cancer.html, 2025.
- American Cancer Society. COVID-19 vaccines in people with cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/coronavirus-covid-19-and-cancer/covid-19-vaccines-in-people-with-cancer.html, 2025.
Updated July 8, 2025
