ASTROMEDICS Health Library · Updated 28 October 2026
General patient education, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms and advise you.
Why infection needs special attention
Some cancer treatments can reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Having the treating team’s contact details and an agreed plan before symptoms occur is important.
Some cancer and cancer treatments can weaken infection-fighting defenses; infection may become serious quickly.
Learn in advance whom to call and how to reach the oncology team outside regular hours.
Know the urgent warning signs
Report fever or new signs of infection promptly according to the person’s care-team instructions.
Confusion, difficulty breathing, blue/pale/blotchy skin or very little urine in someone with infection are emergency warning signs.
Preparing for the next step
Ask for written instructions about fever and other symptoms, including when to contact the team outside usual hours. Keep your treatment details and medicine list accessible. Do not delay reporting new infection symptoms while waiting for a routine review or a home remedy to work.
Questions for your consultation
- What symptoms should I report immediately during my treatment?
- Who can I contact at night or on a holiday?