Ms Chapman's immune system has been severely suppressed since she started treatment for myeloma, a type of blood cancer, 10 years ago.

Coronavirus has spread to at least 200 cases and three deaths in Australia, the country bracing for the full impact of what the World Health Organisation on Friday declared a pandemic.

Whatever protections wary Australians have taken up against coronavirus in the last month, Ms Chapman has been doing since 2010 when she was told she had three to five years to live.

Now, while she isn't letting fear rule her life, her usual precautions are even more critical.

About 110,000 people in Australia currently live with blood cancers or blood-related disorders such as leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma, with 41 new cases diagnosed every day.

Blood cancers in particular suppress the immune system, while chemotherapy and medication for any cancer heighten the danger of viruses.

Ms Chapman, an author, has to pick the events she attends carefully and be aware at all times - but doesn't let fear rule her life.Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

Myeloma patients never fully recover; while in remission they know the cancer, which weakens your bones and causes extreme fatigue, could return at any time.

"Our patients are always susceptible it's just whether it's high risk or ultra high risk," said Steve Roach, chief executive of Myeloma Australia.

The average age of myeloma onset is 65, placing many patients in a double-risk group.

Ms Chapman, 64, takes a taxi or drives everywhere at the moment. She's avoiding shopping centres and restaurants that are too busy.

She had decided to skip the Melbourne Comedy Festival, which normally brings her great joy, even before it was cancelled. If she goes to the cinema, she'll sit in an aisle seat at the back for a "speedy exit if I hear coughing or spluttering".

Ms Chapman, an author, takes 11 medications every day and has stocked up on supply for the next few weeks - but she still planned to attend a fun run on Sunday, until it was cancelled due to coronavirus fears.

"I'm not pretending these things aren't happening. I'm aware if I catch coronavirus I could be very sick and die from it. But you can't live your life in fear," she said.

"I could stay home, not go out, just go to my appointments. But that's not living either. I'm just being as cautious as I can. That might be really silly, but I'm inclined to just get on with things."

Ms Chapman had stem cell treatment soon after her diagnosis intense chemotherapy that tries to blast as much of the cancer out of your body as possible.

"If that was now, I would be incredibly vulnerable. You actually feel that you're dying, the lethargy is incredible. I would not be going out at all," she said.

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Research on coronavirus' impact on cancer patients is limited, however one study from China found that of 18 coronavirus cases with a history of cancer, almost half had a higher risk of requiring ventilation or of death.

Professor Simon Harrison from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre says his current advice to cancer patients, along with good hygiene and avoiding close contact with others in closed spaces, is to assess the risk in every scenario.

"What are the risks? How important is it to you? As with any virus, it needs a community response. We should all ask: if I have an infection, can I stay home for the benefit of others?" Professor Harrison said.

The social impact is unavoidable: Myeloma Australia runs 52 support groups for patients that will now run online for the foreseeable future.

"The challenge for us now is how do we keep the community engaged with each other and feeling supported," Mr Roach said.

"A big thing for us is the bonds that are created in our groups. This coronavirus situation is only going to isolate people even more."

Cancer Council Australia's information and support line is available on 13 11 20.

Michael is a reporter for The Age.

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'I'm aware I could die, but you can't live in fear': Living with cancer amid coronavirus - The Age