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Moving safely at home: protection from falls and knocks

During treatment, weakness, dizziness, anemia and neuropathy raise the risk of falling. When platelets are low, even a small knock can cause bruising and bleeding.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Wooden stairs with a sturdy wall handrail
Figure 1.Hold the handrail on the stairs

01Short answer

At home: pick up rugs and cables, clear walkways, and make sure stairs have a handrail and good lighting. Keep often-used items at an easy height; do not climb on chairs or ladders. Place chairs along the way so you can sit if you get tired. Do not lift heavy things. Wear non-slip footwear (“Socks and shoes: protection from falls and infection”). Cover sharp corners with soft guards. Be careful with knives, tools and scissors (“Cuts and scrapes: the right first aid”). Tell your team at once about dizziness, fainting or a fall, especially if you hit your head.

02Simple explanation

Rugs and cables: pick up.

A handrail on stairs.

No ladders.

A fall? Tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: when platelets are low, protecting yourself from injury reduces bleeding risk; anemia can cause dizziness.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Head injury

When platelets are low, a knock to the head needs urgent assessment.

Movement

Walking safely keeps strength and balance.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Head injuryWhen platelets are low, a knock to the head needs urgent assessment.
MovementWalking safely keeps strength and balance.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Neuropathy
Nerve damage causing numbness.
Balance
The ability to keep the body upright.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Clear the way.
  • Handrail.
  • Tell us.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I go for walks?

Yes, as you are able, ideally with someone.

I fell but it does not hurt.

If your platelets are low, tell us anyway.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I go for walks?

  2. I fell but it does not hurt.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. American Cancer Society. How to Keep Your Home Clean When Living With Cancer
  6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
  7. NHS. Shortness of breath
  8. Macmillan Cancer Support. Breathlessness
  9. Cancer Research UK. Breathing problems with cancer
  10. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Using an incentive spirometer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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