Cancer Library
Tips for getting through treatment with a radiation therapy mask
There are many different types of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and radiation therapy.
While they all affect your body in different ways, certain types of cancer treatments can lower your immunity and leave you vulnerable to infection. If you fall ill with a weakened immune system, your body will also find it more difficult to fight the infection.
To ensure you protect your health during cancer treatment, learning how to prevent infection and taking precautions is very important.
What can I do to prevent infection during cancer treatment?
There are many different ways you can reduce your risk of infection.
General health
Get enough regular sleep and rest
Ensure to eat a well-balanced diet
Keep physically active
Reduce your stress
Practice good hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently or use antibacterial hand sanitisers. This is important to lower your risk of falling ill, especially:
Before touching or eating food
After you have gone to the toilet
After sneezing or coughing
Before touching your eyes, nose and mouth
After visiting public places or touching items used by others
After touching any wound dressings
Shower or bathe daily
Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
Don’t share food, cups, utensils, toothbrushes or makeup
Clean your teeth and gums with a soft toothbrush. Use a mouthwash to prevent infections if your doctor or dentist recommends it
Meal preparation and foods to avoid
Prepare and store food properly to avoid foodborne illness and food poisoning
Don’t eat raw foods, including meats, shellfish, and eggs. Cook meat well before you eat and wash raw fruits and vegetables
Pet care
Animals can carry infections, so it is important not to change cat litter or handle animal waste
Around the house
Use gloves during gardening and housework, especially while cleaning
Be careful using sharp objects, such as scissors or knives. To avoid cuts, consider using an electric shaver and a blunt nail file instead of nail clippers
Infection control
Check with your doctor about having the flu or other vaccinations
Ask people close to you to consider being vaccinated against the flu
Avoid contact with people who are sick with illnesses you can catch (e.g. cold, flu, chickenpox, measles). Ask family and friends to wait until they feel well before visiting
As far as practical, avoid close contact with people you live with if they are unwell
Care for your wound dressings as instructed by your health care professional, if applicable
To reduce your risk of infection during cancer treatment, it’s important to take precautions and put your health first
Signs of infection
You should always be on the alert for common signs of an infection, as this can quickly escalate to a medical emergency. These include:
Chills and/or shaking
Fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
Cough or sore throat
Loose stools or diarrhoea lasting over 24 hours
Change in urination (frequency or burning sensation)
Vaginal discharge or itching
Redness, swelling or sores on your skin
Earaches
Difficult or painful breathing
Wheezing
If you experience any sign of infection, no matter how small, call your treatment team immediately or go to your local emergency department.
The content on the Icon Cancer Centre website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. For personalised medical guidance, please consult with your GP or another qualified healthcare provider.
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