Fevers usually develop from a virus, a bacterial infection, or inflammation from an injury or disease. Having an occasional fever is quite common. However, fever in cancer patients could be a sign of an infection. Since having an infection during cancer treatment can be life-threatening, cancer patients shouldn’t take fevers lightly.

How Does Cancer Contribute to a Fever?

Cancer tumors can cause fever by:

• Producing pyrogens (substances that cause a fever), including cytokines.
• Causing a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection that produces pyrogens.
• Impacting the normal functioning of the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls the body temperature).

Cancer treatments may cause a fever directly or indirectly by decreasing your white blood cell levels or weakening your immune system. Medications, including morphine and steroids, can also weaken your immunity, making you highly susceptible to infection and inflammation that causes fever.

Should I Visit the Doctor If I Have a Fever During Cancer Treatment?

Visit your doctor if your fever:

• Is around 100.4° F (38°C) or higher
• Persists even after taking approved medications
• Causes dehydration
• Occurs with shivering or chills
• Worsens your symptoms or causes new symptoms

What to Do If I Suspect a Fever During Chemotherapy?

If you think you have a fever while undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatment:

1. Measure your body temperature every 2-3 hours to ensure it stays below 100.4° F. Otherwise, visit your doctor.
2. Visit a doctor if you have a high temperature or see indications of fever or any other emergent condition.
3. Stay hydrated and take plenty of rest.
4. Avoid taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen (Advil) without consulting your doctor.
5. Place an ice bag or cold cloth on your head to decrease your temperature.

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes:

• Protein-rich foods, such as cheese, eggs, poultry, fish, beans, meat, quinoa, nuts, butter, lentils, and milk.
• Fresh fruits rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
• Greek yogurts that provide proteins and probiotics.

How Does a Fever in Cancer Patient Subside?

When you experience excessive heat, the hypothalamus signals your body to reverse the fever. Therefore, your blood vessels will dilate, causing you to sweat more, thus decreasing your body temperature. Antipyretic drugs, such as acetaminophen and aspirin, can also lower your body temperature.

Cancer patients usually have compromised immune systems, which require immediate attention even for common illnesses like fever. Take it seriously and treat it quickly. A fever in a healthy patient will typically be recommended a throat or flu swab or a chest X-ray with medications and be sent home to get rest. However, cancer patients with similar symptoms will need more intense evaluation to determine the source of their infection and the appropriate treatment option.

Cancer patients with fever are also kept in isolation to prevent exposure to any other infection. A urine and blood test would also be conducted to check for indicators of bacterial infection. Antibiotics might also be prescribed to mitigate the patient’s condition. If the fever isn’t caused by an infection, the antibiotics will be discontinued. However, the patient will still need care and treatment till the fever subsides.

Contact Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates today if you or a loved one have any questions about your cancer treatment or diagnosis. Our expert oncologists and healthcare providers will provide world-class care in a compassionate environment.

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