Blood Clots
– A Risk for Cancer Patients
What you need to know
Patients with cancer have an increased risk of developing
a blood clot, especially in the leg veins. Some cancers and
drugs used to treat cancer cause an increase in substances
in the blood that can cause the blood to clot. Your
individual level of risk depends on the specific cancer that
you have and can be explained by your oncologist.
Other factors that increase the risk of developing a blood
clot for everyone include:
• Hospitalization
• Recent Surgery
• Inactivity
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Increased Age
• Other serious medical conditions such as heart
disease, infections, inflammatory bowel disease
• Airplane Travel
Why this is important for you
Many people with cancer receive surgery, spend some
time in hospital or experience periods of inactivity while
recovering from their treatments. These are all risk factors
for developing a blood clot; in addition to having cancer.
A blood clot (thrombus) that forms in a leg vein is called a
Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT. This clot can decrease blood
flow through the vein, causing swelling and pain.
Ways you can reduce your risk of
developing a blood clot
•Walk and remain as active as possible; muscle
movement will make clotting less likely.
•Remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids; this will help your blood to flow more easily.
•If you are bedridden or sitting for more than
half the day move and flex your feet and legs often,
avoid crossing your legs and change positions
frequently (if possible.)
•Avoid wearing constrictive clothing, especially clothing that is tight around your legs or waist.
•Discuss with your oncologist whether you could benefit from medication to help prevent blood clots.
The benefits and risks must be determined for each patient individually.
•If you have surgery or are hospitalized ask your care
team for recommendations about exercises that will
help prevent blood clots, and then do them.
•If you plan to take an airplane flight, discuss with
your doctor whether you need any other preventative
measures than are generally recommended for
everybody. The usual recommendations are to drink
plenty of water to stay hydrated, stand up and walk
around every hour or two, extend and flex your feet
and legs while seated, consider wearing knee-high
compression stockings and wear loose fitting clothing.
Sometimes the clot can break off from the vein and travel
through the venous system; this is called an embolus.
If the embolus moves to the lung it causes a Pulmonary
Embolism or PE. A clot or clots in the lung can make
breathing difficult and block blood from reaching the
brain and body. This is a very serious condition and must
be treated as a medical emergency. Although rare, a
pulmonary embolism can be fatal.
Developed by Pharmacy Department, BC Cancer Agency Fraser Valley Centre September 2011
Blood Clots
Signs and symptoms you need to watch
for and what to do
• It is important that you are aware of and are able to
recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
If you have a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) you may experience any of these:
• Swelling, throbbing, cramping or redness in a leg or calf
What to do if you have symptoms – Seek medical help as described below
The diagnosis of DVT or PE requires special tests and it is
important that treatment be started as soon as possible.
If you think you have a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
• Call your family doctor or go to the nearest Emergency
Department right away if your doctor’s office is closed.
If you think you have a Pulmonary Embolism (PE):
• Pain in your leg when you stand or walk
If you have a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) you may experience any of these:
• Sudden shortness of breath that you can’t explain or the need to breath rapidly
• Sudden chest pain that feels sharp or gets worse when you take a deep breath
• Heart palpitations or racing, especially if you also feel light-headed or faint
• If you are feeling faint or very short of breath Call 911
immediately; otherwise have someone take you to
the nearest emergency department right away. Do not
drive yourself.
If you are unsure about what to do, call 811 (HealthLinkBC)
to speak with a nurse at anytime - 24 hours a day.
• Coughing up blood
Further Information
If you have any questions or concerns, you can call
HealthLinkBC at 811 to speak with a nurse at any time 24/7. Translation services are available.
You can also check out www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthguide.stm and type in “Deep Venous Thrombosis” or “Pulmonary Embolism” in the SEARCH box.
Developed by Pharmacy Department, BC Cancer Agency Fraser Valley Centre September 2011