Coronavirus (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 National Comprehensive Cancer Network website and the American Society of Clinical Oncology 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 cases are severe and can lead to death. Being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, protects against severe illness from COVID-19 and limits the spread of the virus.

Rates of COVID-19 are not the same everywhere and can change rapidly. Local and state government safety guidelines vary and can change often.

Check the CDC website, and your local and state public health department websites, 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.

What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

These signs and symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to COVID-19. However, a person may be contagious before symptoms appear.

If you have signs or symptoms, have been in contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have questions about testing for COVID-19, call your doctor.

For more information on the symptoms of COVID-19 and when to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms, visit the CDC website.

The CDC has information about treatments your doctor may recommend if you get COVID-19.

COVID-19 testing

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a list of low-cost or free COVID-19 testing sites. Self-test kits (done at home) can also be helpful.

What can I do to protect myself, my loved ones and my caregivers?

To slow the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends you:

Get vaccinated and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots. They are available to people ages 6 months and older.
Avoid crowded places and poorly-ventilated indoor spaces.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Follow recommendations if you are exposed to COVID-19.
Stay home when you are sick.
Stay home for at least 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Monitor your health and be alert for symptoms.

Face masks

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends people with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, continue to wear face masks and maintain social distancing in public (even after getting vaccinated) [1].

For more information about COVID-19 for people with cancer, visit the NCCN website and the American Society of Clinical Oncology website.

For more general information and guidance, please visit the CDC website.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends all breast cancer patients, their caregivers, household family members and the general public get the COVID-19 vaccine and stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines [1]. This includes booster shots (when you’re eligible) and additional doses (for those with weakened immune systems) [1].

The mRNA vaccines and booster shots (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) are preferred by the NCCN [1].

If you’re not sure when to get a vaccine or booster shot, talk with your doctor or check the CDC website. If you’re not sure if you have a weakened immune system, talk with your doctor.

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots

Over time, the protection you get from a COVID-19 vaccine decreases. Booster shots are given to increase protection in people who have had their initial vaccines. So, it’s important to get booster shots when you’re eligible.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna booster shots are preferred by the NCCN [1].

Remember to take your COVID-19 vaccination card with you when you go for your booster shots.

Learn more about the NCCN recommendations for COVID-19 booster shots for people who have cancer.

Learn more about the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 booster shots for vaccinated people.

Timing of a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot if you’re having surgery

If you’re having breast surgery (or other surgery), don’t get the vaccine or a booster shot right before or right after surgery [1]. You don’t want to confuse side effects of the surgery with side effects of the vaccine. Ask your surgeon when it’s best to get the vaccine.

Find information from the CDC on myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines for those 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, you may still be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots [2]. Talk with your doctor before getting a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot [2]. Your doctor may refer you to an allergy or immunology specialist for guidance [2].

Find more information about the COVID-19 vaccine on the CDC website.

COVID-19 vaccine and mammography screening

COVID-19 vaccines may cause temporary swelling in the lymph nodes in the underarm area.

However, the Society of Breast Imaging no longer recommends scheduling your screening mammogram around COVID-19 vaccines or booster shots [3]. It’s important not to delay your screening mammogram.

Also, don’t delay getting a diagnostic (follow-up) mammogram to check an abnormal finding on a screening mammogram, or a lump or other change in your breast.

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, you may not build up enough immunity from a COVID-19 vaccine. So, you may benefit from an additional dose of a vaccine to be sure you have enough protection against COVID-19. Talk with your doctor about whether you should get an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The CDC and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend people with a weakened immune system (moderately to severely immunocompromised) who were vaccinated with either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine get an additional (3rd) dose [1,4].

If you got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC and the NCCN recommend getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine [1,4].

The NCCN does not recommend the Novavax vaccine or boosters for people who have cancer as there are limited data on its benefit in cancer patients [1].

Remember to take your vaccination card with you if you get an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Learn more about the CDC recommendations for an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for people with weakened immune systems.

Learn more about the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 booster shots for vaccinated people.

The flu vaccine protects against the 3-4 viruses most likely to be common each flu season.

The CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months or older, including people with breast cancer and their caregivers, get a flu shot every year.

If you are in treatment for breast cancer, get the flu vaccine as a shot rather than a nasal spray.

Find more information about the flu for people with breast cancer on the CDC website.

Some doctors’ offices have made changes to allow for social distancing.

Also, some in-person doctor appointments may be changed to phone or video consults. We’ve created a simple checklist with some great tips to help you prepare for a successful telehealth visit and a podcast to help you get the most out of your visit.

Some places may still be limiting the number people you can bring with you to a doctor’s appointment. This is to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Call your doctor or hospital, or check the website for their current policies. Don’t bring someone with you who has a fever, cough and/or is not feeling well.

If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, let your doctor know before going to your appointment.

If your screening mammogram was postponed during the pandemic and you haven’t done so already, call to make an appointment. It’s important to reschedule your mammogram as soon as possible. Do not further delay your screening.

If you have any warning signs of breast cancer or notice any changes in your breast or underarm area, call your doctor.

Watch our video blogs In Case You Missed It on delays in mammography screening during the pandemic and Becky’s Story: An Unexpected Turn.

Read our blog Cherie’s Story: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram.

If you have any warning signs of breast cancer or notice any changes in your breast or underarm area, don’t put off seeing your doctor. A breast lump or other change needs to be checked.

Learn more about warning signs of breast cancer.

Learn more about what to do if you find a lump.

Learn about follow-up tests and diagnosis.

Many breast cancer organizations offer social support services online and by telephone.

If you’re feeling scared or alone, or just need to talk, please reach out to Komen by contacting the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or helpline@komen.org. Our trained and caring helpline staff can provide information, social support and help with coping strategies to ease anxiety or concerns.

Se habla español.

Find more Komen support resources below.

Some people are out of work or facing other financial hardship.

Komen Financial Assistance Program

Susan G. Komen^® offers the Komen Financial Assistance Program to eligible individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment at any stage or living with metastatic breast cancer (stage IV), the most advanced stage of breast cancer.

Financial assistance is available to those who meet pre-determined eligibility criteria.

To learn more about this program and other helpful resources, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org.

Se habla español.

Other organizations may also offer financial assistance.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a list of low-cost or free COVID-19 testing sites. Self-test kits (done at home) can also be helpful.

Find information on how to maintain health insurance coverage after a job loss.

Find more financial assistance resources.

What can I do to reduce stress?

This may still be a stressful time. To reduce stress, the CDC recommends:

Taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories about COVID-19, including social media.
Taking care of yourself. Try taking deep breaths, stretching or meditating. Try to eat healthy meals, get some exercise, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Making time to do things you enjoy, such as taking a walk, gardening, knitting, reading a book or cooking.
Talking with others about your concerns and how you’re feeling. Call, FaceTime or Skype with family and friends.

Susan G. Komen^® Support Resources

If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast cancer, contact the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org. All calls are answered by a trained specialist or oncology social worker, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. Se habla español.
Komen Patient Navigators can help guide you through the health care system as you go through a breast cancer diagnosis. They can help to remove barriers to high-quality breast care. For example, they can help you with insurance, local resources, communication with health care providers and more. Call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org to learn more about our Patient Navigator program, including eligibility.
Komen’s Breast Cancer Facebook group and Metastatic Breast Cancer Facebook group provide places where those with a connection to breast cancer can share their experiences and build strong relationships with each other.
Our fact sheets, booklets and other education materials offer additional information.

Find more support resources.

References

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN: Cancer and COVID-19 vaccination, version 7.0. https://www.nccn.org/covid-19, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccination. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html, 2022.
Society of Breast Imaging. Revised SBI recommendations for the management of axillary adenopathy in patients with recent COVID-19 vaccination. https://www.sbi-online.org/Portals/0/Position-Statements/2022/SBI-recommendations-for-managing-axillary-adenopathy-post-COVID-vaccination_updatedFeb2022.pdf, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 vaccines for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html, 2022.

Updated October 25, 2022

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