Blood Clots and Cancer

Blood Clots and Cancer—DVT Awareness Month!

March is DVT Awareness Month! Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These blood clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis but can also occur in the arm. The most serious complication of DVT occurs when a part of the blood clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). If the blood clot is small, and with appropriate treatment, people can recover from a PE; however, some damage to the lungs may remain. If the blood clot is large, it can stop blood from reaching the lungs, which can be deadly. It is important to be aware of DVT, as it can happen to anybody, and can cause serious illness, disability, and, in some cases, death. The good news is that DVT can be prevented, and it can be treated if discovered early. During DVT Awareness Month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been sending out a digital newsletter each week highlighting information, helpful tips, and various resources to help raise awareness about blood clots. The topics thus far have included general information about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for blood clots; blood clots and travel; blood clots and hospitalization; and blood clots in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and up to 3 months after delivery. This is the final week of DVT Awareness Month. This week we are wrapping up DVT Awareness Month with information and resources about the risk of cancer-related blood clots.

This is the final week of DVT Awareness Month. This week, we are wrapping up DVT Awareness Month with information and resources about the risk of cancer-related blood clots. Know the Facts About Cancer-related Blood Clots

Blood clots affect 900,000 people in the United States every year, and 1 in 5 blood clots are due to cancer and some of its treatments. Blood clots are a leading cause of death among people with cancer. Blood clots are treatable. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce complications of blood clots, including death. The risk of a dangerous blood clot is greatest in the first few months after a cancer diagnosis, the time when treatment generally begins.  Among people with cancer, survival rates are lower for people who also have blood clots. Learn Why People with Cancer Are at Higher Risk Type and stage of cancer The risk of a blood clot is greatest in the first few months after cancer is diagnosed. Some cancers pose a greater risk for blood clots, including cancers involving the pancreas, stomach, brain, lung, uterus, ovaries and kidneys, as well as blood cancers such as lymphoma and myeloma. The higher your stage of cancer, the greater your risk for a blood clot. Type of cancer treatment The type of cancer treatment you receive may increase your risk for blood clots. Treatments involving hospitalization, surgery, chemotherapy, treatment with hormones, catheters (thin tubes placed in your veins for administering various treatments), can increase your risk for blood clots. Risk factors Family history of blood clots or inherited clotting disorder Hospitalization for illness or major surgery, particularly of the pelvis, abdomen, hip, or knee Broken bone or severe muscle injury Severe physical trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident Serious medical conditions, such as heart and lung diseases, or diabetes Sitting too long, such as traveling for more than 4 hours, especially with legs crossed Other causes of immobility, such as extended bedrest Overweight and obesity Smoking What can people being treated for cancer do to help reduce their risks for a blood clot? The risk of developing a dangerous blood clot is highest in the first few months after cancer is diagnosed, but steps can be taken to prevent a clot from forming. Knowing the risks, signs, and symptoms of a blood clot can help cancer patients discuss their risks with their cancer doctor and healthcare team. If you are being treated for active cancer, talk with your doctor about your risk for blood clots and find out if you might benefit from a prevention plan during cancer treatment. Visit CDC’s webpage on blood clots and cancer to learn more.

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