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.
For general information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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.
The CDC continues to monitor rates of COVID-19 in the United States.
Check the CDC website for the latest information.
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 CDC website.
What can I do to protect myself, my loved ones and my caregivers?
CDC recommendations to protect against COVID-19 include [1]:
- Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. They’re available to people ages 6 months and older.
- Helping stop the spread of germs. For example, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Taking steps for cleaner air such as getting fresh air into your home and spending time outdoors when possible.
- Following recommendations if you get COVID-19 such as staying home if you have symptoms.
- Seeking treatment if you test positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of getting very sick.
What other steps can I take to protect myself and others?
To protect yourself further (for example when there are a lot of cases of COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses in your area), the CDC recommended taking additional steps including [1]:
- Wearing a face mask
- Keeping space between yourself and others (for example, avoid being in crowded spaces or close to someone who has symptoms)
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 CDC 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 [3]. If needed, your doctor can refer you to an allergy or immunology specialist for guidance [3].
Find more information about the COVID-19 vaccine on the CDC website.
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, the CDC has recommendations for COVID vaccines. If you’re not sure if you have a weakened immune system, talk with your doctor.
Should I get a flu shot?
The flu vaccine protects against the 3-4 viruses most likely to be common each flu season.
The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older, including 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 CDC website.
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References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html, 2024.
- 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, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccination. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html, 2023.
Updated March 12, 2025
