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![stop-the-clot-spread-the-word-logo-banner Stop the Clot, Spread the Word](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/stop-the-clot-spread-the-word-logo-banner-1.png)
![oncology-ribbon-icon Oncology ribbon icon](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/oncology-ribbon-icon.png)
Cancer and Blood Clots
If you have cancer and are undergoing cancer treatment, you can protect your health by learning about your risk for life-threatening blood clots.
Get the facts.
Blood clots affect 900,000 people in the United States each year.
1 in 5 blood clots are related to cancer and its treatment.
![one-in-five-graphic One in five people in america](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/one-in-five-graphic.png)
![ribbon-no-circle-icon Ribbon](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ribbon-no-circle-icon.png)
Among people with cancer, survival rates are lower for people who also have blood clots.
![ribbon-no-circle-icon Ribbon](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ribbon-no-circle-icon.png)
The risk of a dangerous blood clot is greatest in the first few months after a cancer diagnosis, the time when treatment generally occurs.
Understanding blood clots.
A blood clot in one of the large veins, usually in a person’s leg or arm, is called a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. When a DVT forms, it can partially or completely block the flow of blood through the vein.
![arm-leg-graphic Human arm and human leg](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/arm-leg-graphic-2.png)
If a DVT is not treated, it can break off and travel to the lungs.
![lung-graphic Human lung](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/lung-graphic-2.png)
A blood clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism, or PE. This requires immediate medical attention because a PE can be deadly.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
Contact your cancer doctor if you experience any of these signs or symptoms of a blood clot.
Signs and symptoms of a blood clot in a person’s leg or arm may include
![swelling-icon Swelling](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/swelling-icon-1.png)
Swelling
![pain-tenderness-icon Pain tenderness](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pain-tenderness-icon-1.png)
Pain or tenderness not caused by injury
![warm-skin-icon Warm skin](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/warm-skin-icon-1.png)
Skin that is warm to the touch
![redness-icon Redness](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/redness-icon-1.png)
Redness or discoloration of the skin
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these signs or symptoms of a blood clot.
Signs and symptoms of a blood clot in a person’s lung may include
![difficult-breathing-icon Difficulty breathing](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/difficult-breathing-icon-1.png)
Difficulty breathing
![chest-pain-icon Chest pain](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/chest-pain-icon-1.png)
Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or cough
![coughing-blood-icon-1 Coughing blood](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/coughing-blood-icon-1.png)
Coughing up blood
![faster-heart-icon Faster heart](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/faster-heart-icon-1.png)
Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat
Know the risk factors for blood clots.
![type-of-cancer-icon Type of cancer](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/type-of-cancer-icon.png)
Type and stage of cancer
- Some cancers pose a greater risk for blood clots, including cancers involving the pancreas, stomach, brain, lungs, uterus, ovaries, and kidneys, as well as blood cancers, such as lymphoma and myeloma.
- The higher your cancer stage, the greater your risk for a blood clot.
![cancer-treatment-icon Cancer Treatment](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cancer-treatment-icon-1.png)
Type of cancer treatment
-
Treatments involving hospitalization, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and catheters (small tubes placed in veins to administer various treatments) can increase your blood clot risk.
![personal-risk-factors-icon Personal risk factors](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/personal-risk-factors-icon-1.png)
Other risk factors
- Previous blood clot
- 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
Make a plan to protect your health.
![ribbon-no-circle-icon Ribbon](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ribbon-no-circle-icon.png)
Know the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for blood clots. Discuss these risks with your cancer doctor.
![ribbon-no-circle-icon Ribbon](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ribbon-no-circle-icon.png)
When you are at home recovering from surgery, or when receiving cancer treatment, contact your cancer doctor or the emergency department right away if you suspect a blood clot. If you think you may have a blood clot in your lung, seek immediate medical attention.
![ribbon-no-circle-icon Ribbon](https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ribbon-no-circle-icon.png)
Work with your healthcare team to make a prevention plan.
To learn more about blood clots and to spread the word, visit
stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword.
stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword.