Patients and doctors should discuss treatment in light of COVID-19 developments

Many states across the U.S. are reporting an increase in COVID-19 cases and some have announced changes to their re-opening plans. Today, the state of Texas suspended elective surgeries at hospitals in Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis counties.

The announcement means that breast cancer patients should talk to their doctors about their scheduled surgeries, and what changes, if any, there will be. Doctors will be the experts to determine if a patient’s surgery is considered elective, and if changes will be made.

Even if a surgery is delayed, it does not mean patients will not receive care. Health care providers and hospitals have implemented a number of changes in light of COVID-19 and are properly equipped to safely handle patients’ care, on a case-by-case basis.

Patients needing support during this difficult time can contact Susan G. Komen’s Breast Care Helpline. Trained staff can answer questions and provide emotional support in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 10:00pm ET. The helpline can be reached by phone at 1-877-GO-KOMEN or by email at helpline@komen.org.