Some types of cancer can damage the immune and blood systems or change the way they work. For instance, lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) and certain types of leukemias start in immune system cells. They change the immune system cells so that cells that once protected the body begin to interfere with the normal way the immune system works. Many other types of cancer can also affect the immune system.
But in most cases it is not the cancer itself but the cancer treatment that changes the immune system. The treatments can cause short- or long-term damage. For example, long-term damage happens when immune system organs such as the spleen are removed. A splenectomy (surgery to remove the spleen) is sometimes done to remove cancer or learn how much it has spread. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both can also lead to short-term immune system damage. Sometimes this damage can last for months after treatment ends.
Some people with cancer have a higher risk of infection because of the changes in their body’s defense systems. Cancer and cancer treatments can affect these systems in different ways.
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