New Findings in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Currently, very little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on reproduction and pregnancy. But as the COVID 19 pandemic began to affect lives around the world, out of an abundance of caution, the ASRM task force released a mandate on March 17th, 2020 recommending fertility clinics to suspend all new infertility treatments, cancel embryo transfers, and suspend all elective surgeries. Almost a month later, in an update#2 released on April 13, the ASRM states “While it is not yet prudent to resume non-emergency infertility procedures, the Task Force recognizes it is also time to begin to consider strategies and best practices for resuming time-sensitive fertility treatments in the face of COVID-19.” We are talking to reproductive endocrinologist and virologist Dr Cindy Duke of Nevada Fertility Institute and infertility specialist Dr Aimee Eyvazzadeh (The Egg Whisperer) to learn about the rapidly changing recommendations in this field, how the patients are getting affected and the future landscape of infertility treatments.

Is the new practice of social distancing or reducing close physical proximity with others contributing to another deadly epidemic, that of social isolation and loneliness? As the world grapples with COVID-19, the population worldwide is escalating into negative psychological reactions like stress, adjustment disorder and depression. Feeling under pressure is quite normal in the current situation. We understand that managing mental health and psychological well-being during this time is as important as managing physical health. We are talking to Dr. Dianne Shumay on psychosocial support for cancer patients, caregivers, family members and how you can protect yourself and be supportive of others too.