Protecting Cancer Patients from Infection
Infection is a common risk for cancer patients, especially during treatment when the immune system is weakened. To reduce your risk, the most important step is also the simplest—regular, thorough handwashing.
To help reduce infection risk, here are key moments when it’s essential to wash your hands:
- Before eating
- Before preparing food
- After touching raw meat
- After coughing, sneezing, or vomiting
- After handling animal waste
- After using the bathroom
- When your hands appear dirty
Proper handwashing technique is essential for removing germs effectively. Follow these steps to make sure your hands are truly clean:
- Wet your hands with warm water.
- Apply soap. Rub your hands together thoroughly, making sure to clean between your fingers and on the backs of your hands.
- Keep rubbing for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to hum 'Happy Birthday' twice).
- Rinse your hands under warm, running water.
- Dry your hands with a clean paper towel.
Regular handwashing may seem like a small action, but it’s one of the most powerful tools in protecting your health during cancer treatment. By following these steps and encouraging your visitors to do the same, you create a safer environment for yourself and those around you. When it comes to staying healthy, every clean hand counts. Talk to your care team about keeping you and your family healthy this flu season.