Huntsman Cancer Institute says cancer care could be delayed by current COVID-19 surge

If the current surge in COVID-19 cases continues, the pressure on the healthcare industry could result in delayed treatment for Utah cancer patients, according to an online message posted by the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. The warning came as critical-care beds in Utah’s hospitals recently reached capacity.

“Utah’s hospitals are full, which can cause delays in cancer care,” the online message signed by 80 clinicians at the institute. “We worry that if this trend continues, more cancer care may have to be delayed by hours or days until beds are open.”

“Utahns are known for our kindness, sense of community, and dedication to helping fellow citizens,” the message continued. “In order to keep our patients safe, we all must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Citing the dedication of the institute’s staff to fighting cancer, the professionals said they now need the public’s help. “This pandemic has taken an incredible toll on all of us, and everyone desires a sense of normalcy,” the message said. “Unfortunately, the surge of COVID-19 cases we have feared since March has now arrived.”

The message asks Utahns to please wear masks, maintain social distance, wash hands and keep gatherings to state-recommended maximums.

“We are a science-driven organization,” said Lawrence Marsco, senior director of nursing at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. “We really believe in everything that the CDC has said and provided the guidance, especially for this time of year.” He then cited occupancy rates for the state’s intensive care unit beds that hovered near capacity recently.

“We want to be able to have that ICU bed available, but if we have so many sick COVID patients, we may not be able to offer those elective surgeries that require an ICU bed after their surgery,” Marsco said.

“Do this for your family member, neighbor or friend who needs and deserves cancer care without delay,” the message concluded.