| While any cancer patient receiving strong or myelosuppresive chemotherapy (also known as chemo) can develop neutropenia, some patients are at greater risk than others of developing a low white blood count following their first treatment. Clinical studies have been performed to try to understand which patients with cancer receiving strong chemotherapy are at the highest risk of developing a low white blood count. If you are a patient with cancer receiving strong chemotherapy, you may have a higher risk of developing a low white blood cell count or a serious infection. Your risk may be further increased if you have any of the following:18,19 |
| |
 |
 |
You are 65 years or older. |
|
|
You have previously been treated with strong chemotherapy or radiation. |
|
|
You have other medical conditions (such as diabetes and liver, heart or lung diseases). |
|
|
You have advanced cancer. |
|
|
You have open wounds or an already active tissue infection. |
|
|
You have previously experienced a low white blood cells count with a fever when you were receiving chemotherapy. |
|
| |
| You may want to talk with your doctor about your potential need to address your white blood cells count. Your doctor is the one who best understands your individual situation and how to manage it. |
| |
| In addition to learning about your risk, it may help to
understand your
blood counts. |
| |
| Next:
Understanding Your Blood Counts >> |
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscribe to a free e-mail series that delivers information to help you manage your chemotherapy journey.
Subscribe now »
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help support your body's
natural defenses against infection, a serious side effect of chemotherapy.
(more...) |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You are not alone. There’s information for you about neutropenia and cancer.
(more...) |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
