33 Tips for Cancer Patients: Preventing Infections Through Everyday Details
Infection is one of the most common complications in cancer patients. Sometimes, infections can be life-threatening, as either the disease itself or its treatment can weaken our immune system. Therefore, we encourage all cancer patients to pay extra attention in daily life and take proactive measures to prevent infection.
You can help reduce your risk of infection or other illnesses caused by a weakened immune system by following these steps:
01 Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Especially make sure to wash before eating and before touching your face or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.).
02 Wash your hands after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
03 Wash your hands after touching animals, handling garbage, or taking out the trash.
04 Wash your hands after visiting public places or touching items that others have used.
05 When you go out, carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
06 Use moisturizing disinfectant wipes to clean the surfaces you are about to touch, such as door handles, ATMs or credit cards, keyboards, and any other frequently used items.
07 Avoid crowded places, such as schools, tourist attractions, shopping malls, social venues, and public gatherings.
08 Stay away from anyone who has a fever, the flu, or other infections.
09 Get a flu shot every fall. If you are receiving anti-cancer treatment, consult your primary doctor before vaccination. Family members are also encouraged to get vaccinated. Nasal spray flu vaccines are not recommended.
10 Take a shower every day. Be sure to wash your feet, groin, armpits, and other moist or sweaty areas.
11 After showering, check the area where your catheter or port is placed for any redness, swelling, or tenderness.
12 Brush your teeth twice a day. Ask your doctor or nurse whether you can use dental floss. If your gums bleed, tell them — they may provide a special mouthwash to help with oral hygiene. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash.
13 Keep your groin and anal area clean. After using the toilet, or if you experience irritation or itching, use disposable baby wipes or soft toilet paper. If you notice any bleeding, redness, or swelling in this area, notify your healthcare team.
14 Do not get manicures or hand treatments at salons (you can do them at home using your own clean tools and nail polish). Avoid using artificial nails.
15 Do not swim or play in ponds, lakes, rivers, or water parks.
16 Always wear shoes — in the hospital, outdoors, and even at home. This helps protect your feet from injury and infection.
17 Use an electric razor instead of a manual one to avoid cuts or skin breaks. Do not share razors with others.
18 If you cut or scrape your skin, wash the wound immediately with soap and warm water. Cover the area with a clean dressing.
19 If the dressing becomes wet or dirty, clean the wound again and apply a new one. If you notice redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness, tell your healthcare team.
20 Avoid constipation. Drink about 2 liters of fluids every day to keep your bowel movements regular. Daily exercise also helps. If you have trouble with bowel movements, contact your healthcare team promptly. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe stool softeners. Do not insert anything into your rectum, such as enemas, thermometers, or suppositories.
21 Women should avoid using tampons, vaginal suppositories, or douches.
22 Use water-based lubricants during sexual activity to prevent injury or irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.
23 Use rubber or plastic condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
24 Do not keep fresh flowers or plants in your bedroom.
25 Do not clean up pet waste, birdcages, fish tanks, or turtle tanks — ask someone else to handle these tasks.
26 Do not touch soil that may contain animal or human feces.
27 Do not help change diapers. If you must, wash your hands immediately afterward.
28 Even if you wear disposable gloves to avoid contact with soil or garbage, you still need to wash your hands afterward (gloves may have tiny holes you cannot see).
29 Do not touch standing or stagnant water, such as in flower vases or cups used to store dentures. If you soak dentures in a cup, wash the cup and change the water each time.
30 Wash fruits and vegetables with hot water.
31 Do not share towels or drinking cups with anyone — even family members.
32 Stay away from dusty areas such as construction sites.
33 If you plan to travel during treatment, discuss it first with your doctor or nurse.
Dear friends who are fighting cancer: Please always pay attention to any possible signs or symptoms of infection. Talk regularly with your doctor about what you should be careful about in daily life, and when you should contact your healthcare team immediately.
Source:
Patient Education Handbook – “How to Prevent Infections for Cancer Patients” Jiahui International Cancer Center
*Some content adapted from the American Cancer Society (ACS) English version.
