New CDC Program Created To Help Cancer Patients Prevent Infections

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Stiff neck Burning or pain with uration (NAPSA)—There is important news for cancer patients undergo- ing chemotherapy. A new program Redness, soreness, or swelling in any area, includingsurgical wounds andports has been created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help cancer patients prevent infections stemming from Diarrhea or vomiting their cancer treatment. While chemotherapy can be an important part of a patient’s treatment for cancer, it can also dam- age infection-fighting white blood cells. A low white blood cell count, or neutropenia, can put cancer patients undergoing treatment at greater risk of developing a seriousinfection.’ In fact, it’s estimated that each year, 60,000 cancer patients are hos- pitalized for chemotherapy-related infections and onepatient dies every two hours from this complication.’ To address this public health issue, the CDC has introduced a comprehensive program, called Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients. The program’s educational resources are designed to help reduce the risk of developing potentially life-threatening infections during chemotherapy treatment. These resources include:* Three Steps Toward Preventing Infections During Cancer Treatment—a website for patients and caregivers featuring an interactive risk assessment tool and educational materials to help prepare, prevent and protect cancer patients against poten- tially life-threatening infections. *Basic Infection Control and Prevention Plan for Outpatient Oncology Settings— guidelines for evidence-based infection prevention practices in outpatient oncology settings, where more than 1 million cancer Chemotherapy-related infections can posea serious threat to cancer patients.’ Fortunately, there are steps patients can take. patients receive chemotherapy andradiation therapy each year.’ The program was developed by experts from the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control and the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion in collaboration with experts in the field of oncology and infection control. Whatare the Signs and Symptomsof Infection?'*’ Many times, fever may be our body’s only sign of an infection. That is whyit’s very important that chemotherapy patients call their doctor immediately if they have a temperature of 100.4 F or higher for more than one hour, or a onetime temperature of 101 F or higher. While developing a fever is a very serious side effect and should be treated as an emergency, there are several other signs or symptoms you should be aware of that may indicate you have an infection: Chills and sweats Changein cough or new cough Sore throat or new mouth sore Shortnessof breath Nasal congestion If you experience any of these signs or symptoms as a patient being treated with chemotherapy you should call your doctor immediately. Washing Your Handsis Key‘ Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent infections. This should include you, all members of your household, your doctors, nurses and anyone who comesinto close contact with you. Don’t be afraid to ask people to wash their hands. Washing your hands with soap and water is most effective, but it’s OK to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. You should wash your hands: * Before, during and after cooking food * Before you eat After going to the bathroom e After changing diapers or helping a child to use the bathroom After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing Also, rememberto use disinfectants to keep your household surfaces free of germs. This program was made possible through a CDC Foundation partnership with Amgen. Amgen provided funding and its oncology expertise to the CDC Foundation. To learn more about Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients, visit www.preventcancerinfections.org or www.cdc.gov/cancer/prevent infections. 1. National Cancer Institute. (2007). Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer. Retrieved February 22, 2011 from http:/ /www.cancer.gov / cancertopics / coping /chemotherapy-and-you / 2. CaggianoV, et al. Cancer. 2005; 103:1916-1924 3. Amgen & CDC Foundation Contract / Service Agreement, May 2009 4. Halpern MT, Yabroff KR. Prevalence of Outpatient Cancer Treatment in the United States: Estimates from the Medical Panel Expenditures Survey (MEPS). Cancer Investigation. 2008;26:647-651 5. Marrs, J. A. (2006). Care ofpatients with neutropenia. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 10(2), 164-166. 6. National Cancer Institute. (2008). Managing chemotherapyside effects. Retrieved May 3, 2011, from http:/ /www.cancer.gov /cancertopics / coping | chemo-side-effects /infection 7. American Cancer Society. (2010). Infections in People with Cancer: What Signs of Infections Should People with Cancer Watch for? Retrieved on October 20, 2011 from http: / /www.cancer.org | Treatment / TreatmentsandSideEffects / Physical Sidekffects / InfectionsinPeoplewithCancer/ InfectionsinPeoplewithCancer/infections-in-people-with-cancer-signs-ofinfection-in-cancer 8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Wash your hands. Retrieved February 22, 2011 from http:/ /www.cdc.gov / features [handwashing/ 9. American Cancer Society. (2010). Infections in People with Cancer: Precautions You Can Take. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from http: / /www.cancer.org / Treatment / TreatmentsandSideEffects /PhysicalSideEffects / Infectionsin PeoplewithCancer | InfectionsinPeoplewithCancer/infections-in-people-with-cancer-precautions

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