If germs get through the skin or mucous membranes, the job of protecting the body shifts to your immune system. This makes it easier for germs to enter the body. Cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery) and certain procedures (like putting in catheters or IVs, or getting shots) can injure cells in the skin or cause damage to the skin or mucous membranes. These membranes normally help protect us from germs in the air we breathe, our environment, and in our food and drink. Mucous membranes, which form the moist, pink lining layer of the mouth, throat, nose, eyelids, urethra, vagina, and digestive system, also act as partial barriers against infection.

When there’s a break in your skin, it’s easier for germs to get into your body and cause infection. It’s your first line of defense in protecting internal tissues from harmful germs. The skin is your body’s largest organ and an important barrier against infections. This may help you better understand why infections can develop so quickly and be so serious in people with cancer. It helps to understand how your body normally does this, and how cancer and cancer treatment can change this process. Your body has many ways to protect itself from infections. How your body protects itself from infection If you have questions about whether you need to take special precautions to prevent infections, it is best to discuss your risk of getting an infection with a doctor who understands your situation and medical history. You can learn more in Watching for and Preventing Infections in People With Cancer. If the risk is due to cancer treatment, it is usually temporary because the immune system recovers after a period of time, but this depends on your situation. Your cancer care team will talk to you about any increased risk for infection you may have, and what can be done to help prevent infection.

Other health problems or medications that aren't related to cancer.

People with cancer might be more likely to get infections because of: Cancer and cancer treatments can affect the immune system and other body systems in different ways. People with cancer may have a higher risk of infection because of changes in the immune system that control their body’s defense systems.

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