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Information for Patients and Caregivers
Cancer and Treatment-related
Falls
Why are individuals with cancer or cancer treatment
at risk for falls?
One factor is aging, because people are diagnosed
with cancer at an older age or are living longer with
cancer; many are at risk for falls. Other risks may
be health-related, such as fatigue or weakness, failing
vision or hearing, impaired muscle strength, coordination,
and reflexes. Sometimes medications can also cause
you to be at greater risk for falling.
Neuro-sensory losses can also put an individual at
greater risk, such as weakness or loss of sensation
from chemotherapy or other cancer treatment, anemia;
neurological or nutritional losses and dizziness.
Environmental factors may be bad lighting, wet floors,
and obstacles in pathways. Individuals who have a
history of falling often have many risk factors for
falling in the future.
How do people describe risk for falls?
People at greatest risk may have problems with weakness,
balance, gait and strength. Medicines taken such as
chemotherapy may cause a loss of sensation, numbness
or tingling (peripheral neuropathy) and make perception
of heat/cold or objects more difficult. Other medicines
such as antidepressants or pain medication given for
cancer pain may impair mental function and physical
performance.
How do people cope with a risk for falling?
- Clear your floors of clutter and any items that
could trip you up, including loose wires, cords,
and throw rugs.
- Stand a minute before walking to gain balance.
- Get up slowly, position changes can very often
cause you to lose balance.
- Consider wearing an alarm device that can signal
help if you can’t get up
- Wear rubber-soled shoes for better traction.
- Change positions slowly as rapid changes can
cause dizziness or unsteadiness.
- Have your eyes checked regularly
- Keep objects off the floor to prevent tripping.
- Add grab bars to your tub, and use non-skid mats
on bathroom floors.
- Talk to your doctor about whether any medications
you are taking can cause dizziness or impair your
balance.
- Install nightlights in your bedroom and bathroom.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Use a walker or cane for a short time until balance
is better.
- Perform exercises such as t’ai chi or yoga that
can improve your balance, coordination and muscle
strength.
What can family members or friends do to help me
prevent a fall?
- Ask family members and/or friends to help remind
you to change position or get up slowly to maintain
balance.
- Ask family members or friends to help make your
house safer; putting non-skid tape on rugs, help
install nightlights in bathroom and bedroom.
- Ask family members or friends to assist you in
cold weather with walking to prevent a fall.
- Ask family members or friends to fix loose or
uneven steps, another way to make your home safer.
How can I talk with family members about my risk
for falls?
- Be open and honest about your feelings with family
members.
- Ask family members for suggestions to help you
cope with your risk for falls.
- Ask a family member to help you identify household
risks (clutter, lighting).
What should I report to my doctor or nurse?
- Loss of pain and/or temperature sensation
- Loss of function
- Blurred vision
- Hearing loss
- Ringing in your ears
- Dizziness, numbness and/or tingling to hands,
legs or feet
Where can I get more information?
References:
Holley, S. (2002). A look at the Problem of Falls
among People with Cancer. Clinical Journal of Oncology
Nursing, 6, 193-197.
Shoemaker, M.J. (2002). Falls in Older People: Risk
Factors and Strategies for Prevention. Physical
Therapy, 82, 622-623. |
