Infection
People with cancer are more likely to develop infections because both cancer and cancer treatments can weaken the immune system. The immune system includes white blood cells, the skin, lymph nodes, white blood cells, leukocytes, bone marrow, spleen, bone marrow.
Cancer and cancer treatment can interfere with the functioning of the immune system in several ways:
- The immune system is less able to protect against other infections because it is busy fighting the cancer
- Chemotherapy may cause the bone marrow and other parts of the immune system to malfunction, lowering the production of white blood cells
- Radiation therapy to bones in the pelvis, legs, chest, or abdomen can affect bone marrow, which increase risk of infection
- Lack of sleep, stress, poor diet, and other side effects of cancer treatment may weaken the immune system
If an elderly person's white blood cell count is low, the doctor may prescribe medications, to encourage the body to make more white bloods cells to reduce the risk of an infection.
Common medications for patients at high risk for developing an infection (such as those who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy) as well as those who have already developed an infection include antibiotics or antifungal medications.
If patients develop a fever, they might need to be hospitalized, and receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Talk to your doctor right away if your parent experiences any of the following signs of infection:
- A fever of 100.5°F or higher
- Chills or sweating
- Sore throat or sores in the mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Pain or burning when urinating or frequent urination
- Diarrhea or sores around the anus
- A cough or shortness of breath
- Any redness, swelling, or pain, particularly around a cut or wound