Greenville, South Carolina – Despite navigating the COVID-19 pandemic relatively unscathed, Bonnie and Bob Krall found themselves facing a new and unexpected challenge. Following their recovery from the virus, the couple was diagnosed with rare forms of cancer, shedding light on a concerning trend among individuals who have battled COVID-19.
Bonnie Krall shared, “We were both healthy as can be. We had just returned from a big trip, and then suddenly, Bob received his cancer diagnosis.” Despite not having contracted COVID-19 himself, Bob was found to have two very rare types of cancer. Shortly after, Bonnie received her own devastating news of having an 8 1/2 pound tumor in her abdomen, signaling the rapid onset of cancer.
Their experience is part of a growing phenomenon where individuals who had COVID-19 are now being diagnosed with various forms of cancer, often more than one type. Dr. Kashyap Patel, the Kralls’ physician, and his team at Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates have observed an alarming increase in cancer cases post-COVID.
Notably, they have noticed a 20-30% spike in new cancer patients, instances of individuals developing multiple types of cancer, and couples or siblings being diagnosed within a short timeframe. Additionally, some cancer patients are experiencing relapses after being in remission for years, prompting concerns about the virus’s impact on cancer rates.
Dr. Patel attributes these findings to the inflammation commonly associated with COVID-19, suggesting that it may play a significant role in the development of cancer in affected individuals. By analyzing data from hundreds of patients with inflammatory biomarkers and Long COVID antibodies, Dr. Patel aims to unravel the link between COVID-19 and cancer.
While the Kralls have seen positive outcomes with Bob in remission and Bonnie nearing remission, the cause behind their cancer diagnoses remains a mystery. The uncertainty surrounding why these individuals developed cancer post-COVID underscores the need for further research and understanding in the medical community.