Managing Side Effects

Infection during cancer treatment
Some cancer treatments can reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood (neutropenia). This means the body can’t fight infection as well as usual so any infection you get can become serious. It is important to know how to reduce your risk of infection and recognise the signs of infection.

How can I reduce the risk of infection?

• Follow usual hygiene practice of regular hand washing
• Consider wearing a face-mask in crowded areas and avoid contact with people exhibiting flu-symptoms   

Important: Contact our nurses immediately if you have:

• A temperature of 38°C or higher
• Chills, sweats, shivers or shakes
• A headache or stiff neck
• A sore throat, cough or cold
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of faintness, dizziness or fast heartbeat
• Sores in your mouth or a white coating on your tongue
• A rash or redness on your skin
• Swelling, redness or tenderness, especially around a wound, a catheter site, or your rectal area
• Uncontrolled diarrhoea or vomiting
• Cloudy urine (wee), pain or blood when you pass urine

If you can’t contact us, go to the nearest hospital emergency department for help. Say that you are having cancer treatment. A high temperature while your white cells are low is called febrile neutropenia and needs urgent medical attention.

Mouth care during cancer treatment
During cancer treatment you can develop mouth sores or ulcers (known as mucositis).
We recommend using a soft toothbrush and that you avoid flossing.
If you need to see your dentist urgently, please inform them you are receiving cancer treatment and also let our clinic nurse know.