Cancer and cancer treatments make a person more prone to have an infection. A person may suffer illness if there is an infection in the body. Some infections can be fatal. Certain types of cancers and cancer treatments can weaken the immune system. They inhibit the formation of blood cells by bone marrow. Therefore, the risk of an infection increases.
Infections, which occur in people with cancer or having cancer treatment, can be more serious. They can be difficult to treat thus, it is crucial to diagnose and treat these infections early. Otherwise, they can get worse.
- Fever
- Sweats
- A sore throat
- shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion
- Burning during urination
- Pain in the stomach
Can Infections Cause Cancer?
Many people may be unaware of the fact that several cancers are caused due to infections. They can be caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. The common infections responsible for causing cancer are human papillomavirus (HPV), the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV).
- HPV : It is a common infection, but there are certain high-risk types of virus that can result in cancers such as anal and cervical cancer. This generally spreads through intercourse.
- HBV and HCV : Infection with these viruses can cause liver cancer. This spreads through blood and other fluids of the body.
- H pylori : Infection with this bacterium is very common globally. Generally, children are prone to this as it is passed through contaminated food and water. It raises the risk of stomach cancer.
- HIV : Infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) makes a person more susceptible to have certain types of cancer such as Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma, and liver.
