Cancer patients are at elevated risk for developing blood clots (called deep vein thrombosis). This is due to several factors including surgery, chemotherapy and effects of the cancer on the clotting system. The likelihood of developing a clot is also influenced by the individual patients' genetic make-up. The blood clots can move around the body and get stuck, cutting off the blood flow to critical organs. The movement of a blood clot is called an embolism. Embolisms can cause disability or even death so it is important to be aware of any changes in your body that may indicate the presence of a clot. Symptoms vary by the location of the blockage. As an example, blood clots that migrate to the lungs can cause shortness of breath, anxiety, pain that is often worse on inhalation, dizziness or even loss of consciousness.(1)(2)
Treatments exist that are able to reduce the chances that a clot will form and/or treat a clot that forms.(2) Many of these drugs work by reducing unwanted clotting of the blood. Heparin is a natural protein that is used to control blood clotting. Warfarin is derived from a coumarin, a group of chemicals found in plants.(3)
Treatments to reduce the risk of blood clots include:
Dalteparin (Fragmin®) This is a form of heparin.
Warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®, Marfarin®)
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