Why Are Cancer Patients at Increased Risk of Infection?
Cancer patients are at an increased risk of infection due to a variety of factors. The most significant reason is that cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can weaken the immune system. This condition, known as immunosuppression, leaves the body less capable of fighting off infections. Additionally, cancers that originate in the bone marrow, such as leukemia and lymphoma, directly affect the production and function of white blood cells, which are crucial for immune defense.
