How much do you know about testicular cancer? It’s relatively uncommon, so many individuals aren’t very aware of it.

While it’s a daunting diagnosis to receive, there is good news:

“Most men with testicular cancer will be cured of it,” said Daniel M. Geynisman, MD, a hematologist/oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. “Even in cases where the cancer has spread, the vast majority of men do get cured as long as they receive appropriate and prompt treatment.”

That also means it’s important to understand the risk factors for testicular cancer, be aware of its common symptoms, and take action if you notice anything unusual. Here are five facts all men (and the people who love them) should know about the disease:

Testicular cancer mostly affects younger men

Unlike most cancers, testicular cancer risk is higher earlier in life. “It’s most common in men between 15 and 40 years old, though we don’t fully understand why,” Geynisman said. While this is the case, being older doesn’t make you immune to it. Around eight percent of testicular cancer cases occur in men over age 55.

Any change in one of your testicles needs attention

Most men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer first notice a lump, swelling, or a feeling of heaviness in one of their testicles. “If you notice a change in size of a testicle or you have pain in a testicle, you should alert your doctor immediately,” Geynisman said.

You’re your own best screening tool

There aren’t any official screening tests or definitive guidelines for testicular cancer—most cases are first found at home when a man notices something unusual. “Unless you have a family history of testicular cancer or other rare risk factors, such as a history of undescended testicles, you don’t necessarily need to actively check for it. Although, a monthly self-exam is reasonable.” Geynisman said.

If you opt to do self-exams, talk with your doctor about how often you should perform them. Aim to examine your testicles after taking a shower or bath, when the skin of your scrotum is relaxed. With self-checks, you’ll quickly get a sense of what feels normal for you. If you notice anything that seems off, let your doctor know right away.

Certain factors can increase your risk of testicular cancer

While testicular cancer isn’t very common, some men may be significantly more likely to get it than others. Having an undescended testicle, having a father or brother who’s had testicular cancer, or previously having testicular cancer yourself can increase your risk.

In those cases, it’s worth talking to your doctor about the steps you should take to protect your health. “They may recommend monthly self-exams or seeing a urologist,” Geynisman said.

Treatment can have significant side effects—but they’re manageable

Usually, testicular cancer is initially treated with surgery to remove the affected testicle. More advanced cases often also need chemotherapy, radiation, or additional surgery. And, while these forms of treatment are highly effective, they can affect fertility. “This is something men can manage, often by banking their sperm ahead of time,” Geynisman said. “The key is being proactive and talking with your doctor before starting treatment.”Rarely, treatment can also cause a drop in testosterone levels. “But that can be managed medically,” Geynisman said. “Even if you have surgery and chemotherapy or radiation, most men do well and are able to lead full lives afterward.”

Learn more about testicular cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center

Technology is bringing us closer, especially now that the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping us apart. One example is telehealth visits, which allow patients to remotely connect with their care team and receive world-class care from the comfort of their home.

“Telehealth appointments are a really nice addition to the already superior care that we provide,” said Molly E. Collins, MD, FACP, a hospice and palliative medicine specialist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. “If your doctor or clinician thinks it’s appropriate, telehealth is a good way to accomplish the same goals as an in-person visit.”

How Telehealth Works

Like chatting with friends or coworkers via Zoom or Skype, telehealth lets you interact with your medical provider face-to-face. These appointments use secure technology so that you and your clinician can speak privately by phone or video.

“As long as you have a good internet connection and a device—such as a smart phone or computer—you’re a good candidate for a telehealth appointment,” Collins said.

At Fox Chase, our providers are contacting patients before their appointments if telehealth is an option for them. If so, they’ll get a text message or email that provides a link to the online appointment. During the appointment, if connectivity is an issue, the patient and their clinician can stop the video and continue the visit via phone call.

Benefits of Telehealth

Telehealth makes it easier for people to keep up with their medical care—especially when attending an appointment in person may be difficult. It also allows physicians and patients to connect in new ways.

“This has very quickly become the standard of care and, in many ways, it’s really meaningful,” Collins said. “It’s a privilege to be invited into people’s homes. You get to see their world—maybe their grandkids are running in the background or they can line up their medication bottles for us. It allows for a different kind of connection.”

With limits on caregivers attending in-person appointments at many healthcare institutions, telehealth also allows a patient’s support system to attend their appointments safely.

How to Prepare for your Telehealth Appointment

New technology can be daunting, but your first telehealth appointment doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to prepare in advance so your appointment goes smoothly:

• Prepare like any other healthcare appointment: Write down your specific questions and concerns and a list of all the medications you take (prescription and over the counter).
• Wear loose clothing: If you need to show the doctor something on your body, it is a good idea to wear something that can be easily removed.
• Check your device: It’s a good idea to make sure your technology is working or ask a loved one for help. It’s also best to close other apps on your phone or computer, as they can slow down your internet connection.
• Find the best location: Set yourself up in a quiet, comfortable space. Turn off any background noise and make sure there’s plenty of light.

If you have any questions or concerns before your telehealth appointment, it’s important to reach out to your provider’s office. As always, they will be happy to help!

Learn more about telehealth at Fox Chase Cancer Center

Lynch syndrome is an inherited disorder that increases the risk of many types of cancer, particularly cancers of the colon and uterus. Around 1 in 279 people may carry a mutation in one of the genes associated with Lynch syndrome. Knowing if you or a loved one have this syndrome can help you make important decisions about screening for certain types of cancer, as well as potentially impact your treatment if you’re faced with a cancer diagnosis.

What is Lynch syndrome?

Lynch syndrome is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome. Those who have it are genetically predisposed to developing certain types of cancer. This means that people with Lynch syndrome have higher than average risks of developing cancer. Lynch syndrome is an inherited disorder that is caused by mutations in a number of genes called the mismatch repair genes. These mutations prevent the proper repair of DNA replication errors. This build-up of errors in the DNA can cause abnormal cell growth, and uncontrollable cell growth can possibly lead to cancer formation.

This syndrome is most strongly linked to higher lifetime risks for colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. It’s also tied to a small increase in the risk for stomach, liver or bile duct, urinary tract, small bowel, and pancreatic cancers, as well as brain and central nervous system tumors.

“Having the condition doesn’t guarantee a future cancer diagnosis,” said Michelle Savage McSweeny, MS, LCGC, a genetic counselor at Fox Chase Cancer Center. “But knowing if you have Lynch syndrome can help you decide if you want to undergo additional screening measures, as well as encourage others in your family to find out if they have it as well.”

Factors that increase your risk

People with Lynch syndrome inherit one of the syndrome’s gene mutations from their mother or their father. Still, “most people have no idea that they have it,” McSweeny said.

Since Lynch syndrome raises the risk for certain cancers, providers often decide whether someone should get Lynch syndrome testing based on individual and family cancer history. These include criteria like:

• Having colorectal or endometrial cancer before age 50
• Being diagnosed with colorectal cancer and another Lynch syndrome-associated cancer
• Having a history of colorectal cancer or other Lynch syndrome-associated cancers occurring before age 50 in one or more first-degree relatives
• Having a history of colorectal cancer or other Lynch syndrome-associated cancers occurring in two or more first- or second-degree relatives

People who are diagnosed with colorectal or other cancers associated with Lynch syndrome should also be tested if their tumors show certain abnormalities.

“At Fox Chase, anyone who has colorectal or uterine cancer, when they have their surgery, we automatically screen their tumors for Lynch syndrome,” McSweeny said. “If an abnormal tumor shows a possibility of Lynch syndrome, we recommend genetic testing.”

Lynch syndrome genetic testing

Lynch syndrome is diagnosed through a simple blood or saliva test. “The testing should be performed through a genetic counselor,” McSweeny noted.

Your counselor can help you determine what Lynch syndrome means for managing your cancer risk. “With colonoscopy screenings, we’ll start as early as age 25 and perform the screenings every one to two years,” McSweeny said. Women should also have regular pelvic examinations and some consider ultrasounds and endometrial biopsies. Risk-reducing surgery is also an option for women with Lynch syndrome to consider to reduce their risks of developing endometrial or ovarian cancer.

Testing positive for Lynch syndrome can also affect treatment for an existing cancer diagnosis. “We know patients with Lynch syndrome benefit significantly from immunotherapies,” McSweeny said.

Lastly, you can take steps to help others in your family who might also be affected.

“We’d recommend testing for parents if they’re still living,” McSweeny said. “If you find out it’s coming from one side of the family, aunts, uncles, and cousins on that side could also be at risk. It can also influence when a patient’s children would start their colorectal cancer screening.”

Genetic testing at Fox Chase

The Risk Assessment Program at Fox Chase can help individuals and their families evaluate their risk for cancer, including Lynch syndrome. Our team of physicians, nurses, and genetic counselors offers the most comprehensive risk assessment program in the Philadelphia region. To make an appointment with one of our clinical genetic specialists, call 877-627-9684.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in American men, affecting 10 percent of all men during their lifetime. And yet, many screening and treatment questions don’t always have straightforward answers.

Recently, Fox Chase Cancer Center oncologists Andres Correa, MD; Eric Horwitz, MD, FABS, FASTRO; and Matthew Zibelman, MD sat down with 6abc Action News for a Facebook Live chat to answer questions about prostate cancer. Here’s a look at some of the topics they discussed:

Who is Most Likely to Get Prostate Cancer?

We know that prostate cancer risk generally increases after age 50. Race is a big factor, too — African American men are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from prostate cancer than Caucasian men. There’s also a hereditary component to prostate cancer, and while that’s important to consider, having a family history of the disease doesn’t mean that you will get it.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Some symptoms of prostate cancer include having to urinate more often (especially at night), weak urine flow or straining to urinate, and blood in the urine. However, many men don’t experience any symptoms at all. That’s because prostate cancer is often caught very early, either during routine prostate exams or through dedicated screening tests.

How is Prostate Cancer Detected?

Physicians mainly use PSA blood tests (which look at a type of protein released by the prostate into the bloodstream) to screen for prostate cancer. PSA levels are higher when something abnormal is happening in the prostate, but it’s important to know that having a high PSA level is not always linked to cancer. If your urologist is concerned about prostate cancer, they may order an MRI and/or a biopsy.

When Should Men Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?

In general, men should talk with their doctors about getting screened starting at age 50. That initial screening is particularly important because PSA levels from that test will determine how often an individual should be screened moving forward.

The recommendations are different for those deemed high risk for prostate cancer. In that case, men should talk with their doctors about starting regular screenings at age 45.

How is Prostate Cancer Treated?

Prostate cancer is often slow growing. In these cases, active surveillance can be a very good option that involves keeping a close eye on the situation. If the cancer starts to grow or change, an individual’s oncologist can reevaluate active treatment options with their patient.

Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapy, and which specific treatment (or combination of treatments) is best for a specific patient will be determined by their oncologist. These treatments may be standard-of-care, or may be offered as part of a clinical trial, which allows patients access to new treatment options.

Regardless of the treatment option selected, it’s worth having a multidisciplinary team involved in your care. Having access to multiple experts who specialize in different areas of treatment can make a huge difference in outcomes, and this is something we offer at Fox Chase to our prostate cancer patients.

Learn more about prostate cancer care at Fox Chase Cancer Center

Colorectal cancer might not be on your radar if you’re in your 30s or 40s—but it should be. One in 10 new cases are diagnosed in individuals under age 50, and rates of young-onset colorectal cancer are on the rise.

“Even though the number is still low, we’ve seen the rate of young-onset cases rising relatively quickly,” said Joshua E. Meyer, MD, a radiation oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. “We don’t fully understand why the number of these cases is going up, but it’s been documented in multiple countries and in multiple studies.”

The good news is that simply knowing the signs of colorectal cancer can go a long way toward protecting your health—regardless of your age.

“The most important thing you can do is be aware of common symptoms and take action if you notice them,” Meyer said. “Don’t ignore them or try to tough them out.”

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• Rectal bleeding or stool that looks dark or black
• Any changes in bowel habits
• Frequent diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stool that looks narrower than usual
• Stomach cramps, pain, bloating, or gas that doesn’t seem to go away
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained weakness or fatigue

While these symptoms can be a sign of colorectal cancer, it’s important to know that they can also indicate other conditions that are more common in younger adults.

“Frequently, younger patients will first get diagnosed with hemorrhoids, which are very common and have no relationship to colorectal cancer,” Meyer said. “It’s a reasonable diagnosis, but if hemorrhoid treatment doesn’t improve your symptoms within a couple of weeks, you might need a more in-depth evaluation.”

Regular screenings (including screening colonoscopies) can be helpful too, but they’re not for everyone. Though all individuals are advised to start regular colorectal cancer screening between the ages of 45 and 50, only those at high risk for colorectal cancer should be screened earlier.

You may be at high risk for colorectal cancer if you:

• Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (abnormal growths in the colon that can become cancerous)
• Have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis
• Have Lynch syndrome or another genetic condition that increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer
• Have had colorectal cancer, certain types of polyps, or radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area in the past

Searching for Answers

Experts still have many questions about young-onset colorectal cancer, including why it’s becoming more common and how best to treat it.

Fortunately, researchers are learning more every day, and the physicians and researchers at Fox Chase are on the forefront of this effort.

“Fox Chase researchers have worked on some of the most significant research to really pick apart these tumors and learn what makes them different,” Meyer said.

Research led by Meyer, for instance, has discovered several key genes that seem to play a role in young-onset colorectal cancer and may impact how younger adults respond to therapy.

“There are some opportunities now in terms of understanding these tumors that weren’t there a few years ago,” Meyer said. “The long-term goal is to eventually take this knowledge back into the clinic to improve care for patients.”

Learn more about colorectal cancer screening and treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Updated July 15, 2021

Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer - with less than 20,000 new diagnoses occurring each year. Because it is so rare, not all doctors are familiar with how to treat these tumors effectively, which makes it especially important to seek a second opinion if you are diagnosed with a sarcoma.

Sarcomas are cancerous tumors that develop both in bone and in soft tissues such as fat, muscles, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. Though they commonly form in the arms, legs, or torso, sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body. There are also more than 70 different types of soft tissue sarcomas, each affecting the body in a different way.

“They’re very rare,” said Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS, a surgical oncologist and expert in Sarcoma at Fox Chase Cancer Center. “And not every practitioner is experienced in dealing with these types of tumors. Some hospitals may have never seen certain types of sarcomas before.”

In addition to being uncommon, sarcomas can be challenging to treat. “They have a high chance of recurring locally and can also spread elsewhere, even with aggressive treatment,” Farma said.

Ensuring you receive an accurate diagnosis is critical. This, along with seeking care at a place that can offer personalized, cutting-edge treatments, offers the greatest chance for success.

“It’s crucial to see a physician at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. You will be seen by a multidisciplinary team who specializes in sarcoma and can determine the best treatment plan for your specific disease,” Farma explained.

Sarcoma Second Opinions at Fox Chase

Not only do Fox Chase physicians have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating sarcomas, but they head panels of experts tasked with writing and updating sarcoma treatment guidelines that are used both nationally and globally. They also work with other world-renowned experts to conduct clinical trials, both for early and advanced stage sarcomas.

“When we see a patient with sarcoma, we think about how to best treat them as a team,” said Margaret von Mehren, MD, Chief of the Division of Sarcoma Oncology at Fox Chase. “Our program includes specialists in sarcoma medical oncology, surgical oncology, orthopedic surgical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology and pathology who review tumor biopsies and imaging to determine the best possible treatment for each case.”

Regardless of what treatment path you take—whether it starts with radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy—you can rest assured that a plan from Fox Chase fully considers every aspect of your diagnosis.

“A team approach is the most important thing,” Farma explained. “Almost all of our patients are discussed weekly in our tumor boards, and we come to a team consensus when planning their treatment.”

All sarcoma patients at Fox Chase are also offered enrollment in our organization’s sarcoma database, allowing for retrospective and prospective studies by Fox Chase researchers as well as national and international collaborative research projects.

“Our patients have greater access to treatment options that go beyond the standard of care that is available elsewhere,” said von Mehren.

Getting a Second Opinion Through Telehealth

The availability of telehealth appointments means that you can quickly and easily have a Fox Chase physician take a second look at your diagnosis and treatment plan no matter where you live.

“It gives patients across the country access to a phenomenal, multidisciplinary sarcoma program,” Farma said. “Only a handful of centers have what we have.”

And the process is just as straightforward as it would be with an in-person visit.

“A patient can send us their scans, we can review them in our tumor board just like we normally would, and then offer our opinion,” Farma said.

Learn more about getting a second opinion at Fox Chase for a sarcoma diagnosis

Screening for prostate cancer often involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the level of PSA (a protein made by the prostate) in the blood. When your PSA level is elevated, it could be a sign of prostate cancer.

Because of this, an elevated PSA level may warrant a biopsy of the prostate, but according to Andres Correa, MD, a urological oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center, this isn’t always the case.

“There are a lot of reasons for an elevated PSA level, and cancer is only one of them,” Correa said. “For instance, it may be due to an enlarged prostate, prostate inflammation or an infection.”

When to See a Urologist

According to Correa, the most important thing men should know about PSA testing is that they need a baseline test when they’re in their 50s. Knowing your individual PSA value early on allows your urologist to personalize your screening recommendations and follow any PSA elevation you experience with better accuracy.

“And if you’re African American or have a family history of prostate cancer, you should start getting PSA tests at age 45,” he said.

If your PSA starts rising persistently, a urologist will look at the big picture of your health to determine if there is cause for concern. They will ask about urinary symptoms, other symptoms related to prostate inflammation, and other factors that can impact PSA (including exercise).

“If your exercise routine includes a lot of perineal pressure, especially before a PSA test, you are more likely to show a false elevation,” Correa said.

Next Steps

If your urologist thinks you might have prostate cancer, there are three diagnostic options they may recommend:

• Biopsy: During this procedure, a probe is placed in the rectum and samples are taken to be examined under a microscope. This test is the most definitive way to diagnose prostate cancer. There are some risks, however, including a chance of bleeding and infection.
• MRI: This imaging test looks for lesions in the prostate and helps your care team identify areas that might need to be biopsied. It can also help determine if a biopsy is even needed and saves many men from unnecessary biopsies.
• High-resolution micro-ultrasound: This new technology merges the capabilities of an MRI and a transrectal probe into a single device. It also provides same-day results. During this outpatient test, a probe is placed in the rectum and allows the urologist to see the architecture of the prostate. This enables them to identify any concerning lesions and, if needed, take targeted biopsies. This technology will soon be available at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and we will be the only medical center in the Philadelphia region offering it to patients.

Additional Advice

Having a baseline of what’s normal for you can help doctors identify possible problems in the future, so regular PSA testing later in adulthood is key.

Knowing your risk is incredibly important, too. A family history of prostate cancer—or breast or ovarian cancer—puts you at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to a urologist for advice. Now, it’s easier than ever before to do that at Fox Chase.

“With our telehealth initiative, a lot of patients don’t even have to leave their house for us to provide guidance,” Correa said. “In reality, a majority of the elevated PSA cases we see can be explained by something other than prostate cancer. However, we don’t know that for sure and can’t give patients peace of mind until we meet with them.”

Learn more about prostate cancer diagnosis at Fox Chase Cancer Center

You might not hear about liver cancer on the news, but according to the American Cancer Society, the disease is now the fastest growing cause of cancer death in the United States.

While it’s important to be aware of other cancers that occur more frequently, it’s also a good idea to be familiar with the causes of liver cancer and steps you can take to prevent it.

What causes liver cancer?

Liver cancer usually occurs in people with scarring of the liver (also known as cirrhosis), which can be caused by many conditions and diseases.

Viral hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of cirrhosis in the world. In the United States, hepatitis C was the most common risk factor for liver cancer until recently, but luckily, many effective medications have made hepatitis C curable. In its place, another condition known as fatty liver disease—also known as metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—has steadily been contributing to a greater number of liver cancer cases.

“It’s similar to how we have seen an increase in obesity and diabetes in our society,” said Minhhuyen Nguyen, MD, AGAF, FACP, a gastroenterologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. “Worldwide, there are probably over a billion people with fatty liver disease.”

A subtype of fatty liver disease called NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or fatty liver with inflammation) can be especially troublesome. People with NASH often go on to develop cirrhosis and liver cancer.

There are also situations where various factors play into an individual’s cirrhosis or liver cancer risk.

“We frequently see a combination of conditions and lifestyle factors—it’s rare for these conditions to occur on their own,” Nguyen said. “You might have someone with hepatitis C and cirrhosis who drinks often and has diabetes.”

To put it in perspective, the liver is a clearinghouse for a lot of metabolic activity within the body. If you have hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol, your liver may be affected.

“The liver is a mirror of our metabolic world,” said Nguyen.

How is liver cancer treated?

While liver cancer can be deadly, treatment options are evolving quickly.

Like other cancers, the earlier liver cancer is detected, the better the patient’s outcome will be.

“When treating liver cancer, we now have many treatment options available for patients,” Nguyen said. “We offer liver-directed therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy — treatment options are moving forward.”

Receiving treatment at a specialized cancer center like Fox Chase is especially important, as multidisciplinary care can make a big difference in treatment and outcomes.

“When cancer is treated in a multidisciplinary way, you don’t just have a single doctor treating you,” Nguyen said. “Your medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, hepatologist and interventional radiologists work together to develop the best treatment plan for you as an individual.”

Can you prevent liver cancer?

The best way to prevent liver cancer is by making healthy lifestyle choices. You can reduce your risk of hepatitis C by practicing safe sex and avoiding drug use. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 18 receive at least one hepatitis C screening in their lifetime.

To avoid fatty liver disease, a healthy diet and exercise is recommended. Alcohol consumption should also be moderate, however, it’s important to note that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

“Six to seven teaspoons of sugar (around 25–30 grams) is the most an individual should have each day,” said Nguyen. “Also, it is best to eat a plant-based diet and get as much exercise as possible.”

Quick efforts to drop weight can cause long-term metabolic damage. Instead, Nguyen recommends lifestyle changes that will last for years.

“If you lose 5% of your overall body weight, it will reduce liver inflammation associated with fatty liver disease,” she said. “If someone with compensated cirrhosis loses 10% of their body weight, they can reverse a lot of liver scarring.”

According to Nguyen and the American Cancer Society, other steps that may help reduce the risk of liver cancer include:

• Not smoking
• Drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all
• Taking low-dose aspirin regularly, which can slow the progression of fatty liver disease

Learn more

Fox Chase has a long history of preventing and treating liver cancer. To make an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists or liver cancer specialists, call 888-369-2427.

In our continued effort to protect patients and staff against COVID-19, we are now offering phone and video appointments for some patients.

It’s commonly thought that cancer patients are at a higher risk for infection than others because of their disease or the treatments they are receiving.

However, while it is advised that cancer patients protect themselves against infections like everyone else, it’s also important to know that not all cancers and their treatments cause patients to become immunosuppressed.

Certain treatments (such as bone marrow transplants and some chemotherapy regimens) are known to increase a patient’s infection risk, and certain cancers directly impact the immune system (like lymphoma). But, some treatments (including immunotherapy) do not have a negative effect on the immune system at all.

The best way for a patient to determine their risk of infection (and if they are at an increased risk because of their diagnosis or treatment) is to talk to their care team. Oncologists and other physicians will not only be able to discuss your specific risk, but also give you personalized tips for avoiding infection if you are concerned.

Preventing Infection

In general, it is advised that cancer patients follow standard guidelines for avoiding infection. Some of these tips include:

• Avoiding in-person activities with individuals who are recovering from illness
• Practicing good hygiene through handwashing and regular bathing
• Keeping cuts clean, dry, and covered
• Seeking care for dental issues that could become an infection

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also recommended that patients take precautions when going out in public or interacting with individuals they don’t live with (including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing). In general, it may also be a good idea to avoid spending time in crowded public areas and ask for family and friends to run errands for you instead of doing them yourself.

Signs of Infection

Despite taking precautions, patients may still get infections. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is best to call your care team to discuss next steps:

• Fever (greater than 100.4°F)
• New or worsening redness, tenderness, swelling, or heat
• A new cough with pain
• A new cough that is accompanied by yellow or green mucus
• Earaches that don’t resolve
• A worsening sore throat
• Shaking chills
• Burning or painful urination
• Excessive fatigue or weakness
• Cloudy or bad-smelling drainage or increasing pain at a wound site or surgical incision

While these may be signs of infection, they could also be caused by something else. Your care team will be able to evaluate your symptoms and guide you to the best next step for care.

While it’s important to protect yourself from infection during cancer treatment, it’s also advised to discuss your infection risk or symptoms with your oncologist before becoming concerned. Infection risk is always a factor in life, but it’s something that can be managed by your care team.

Reviewed by Fox Chase medical oncologist Dr. Anthony Olszanski.