Infection control in cancer patients

The total number of per sons living with cancer will continue to increase. Despite advances care, infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer patients. Increased risks for infection are attributed, in part, to immunosuppression caused by the underlying malignancy and chemotherapy. In ad-dition patients with cancer come into frequent con tact with healthcare settings and can be exposed to other patients in these settings with transmissible in fections patients with cancer often require the placement of indwelling intravascular access de vices or undergo surgical procedures that increase their risk for infectious complications. Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients is a comprehensive initiative. To reduce infections by raising awareness among patients, caregiv ers, and healthcare providers about steps they can take to protect themselves during chemotherapy treatment .Principles of Infection Prevention in cancer patients contains Standard Precautions, Transmission-Based Precautions, Education and Training, Surveillance and Reporting, Injection Safety/ Medication Handling, Central Venous Catheter Access, Environmental Cleaning.Cancer patients must: Clean hands frequently, Try to avoid crowded places and contact with people who are sick, Do not share food, drink cups, utensils or other personal items, such as toothbrushes, Shower or bathe daily and use an unscented lotion to prevent your skin from becoming dry and cracked, Cook meat and eggs all the way through to kill any germs, Carefully wash raw fruits and vegetables, Protect your skin from direct contact with pet bodily waste (urine or feces) by wearing vinyl or household cleaning gloves when cleaning up after your pet. Wash your hands immediately afterwards , Use gloves for gardening, Clean your teeth and gums with a soft toothbrush, and if your doctor or nurse recommends one, use a mouthwash to prevent mouth sores.

Infection control in cancer patients Keywords:

Infection , Cancer patients , Prevention