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After treatment and remission

Preventing falls

After leukaemia, neuropathy, muscle weakness, bone problems or medicines raise the risk of falls for some people. This topic explains how to lower the risk and make your home safe.

Last updated: ~3 min read
A bright clear hallway with a handrail.
Figure 1.A home that prevents falls.

01Short answer

Falls can happen at any age, but after treatment some factors raise the risk: neuropathy in the feet (reduced sensation — topic “Neuropathy”), muscle weakness (topic “Rebuilding strength”), tiredness, changes in vision such as cataracts (topic “Eyes”), medicines that cause dizziness (painkillers, sleeping tablets, blood pressure medicines), anaemia and low blood pressure. If bones are weak (osteoporosis — topic “Liver”), a fall can cause a fracture; if platelets are low, the risk of bleeding rises. There are three ways to lower the risk. Home: clear objects and cables from the floor, secure or remove slippery rugs, use good lighting and a night light, fit handrails on the stairs and in the bathroom, and use a non-slip bath mat. Body: balance and strength exercises (standing on one leg while holding a chair, heel-to-toe walking), comfortable closed non-slip shoes, getting up slowly (especially from bed) and regular eye checks. Medicines: review medicines that cause dizziness with your doctor or pharmacist. If you have fallen or feel unsteady, tell your doctor — a physiotherapist can create a balance programme.

02Simple explanation

Risk factors: neuropathy, weakness, vision, medicines.

With weak bones a fall can cause a fracture.

Home: clear floors, light, handrails.

Body: balance and strength exercises.

Review medicines with your doctor.

03Scientific explanation

Risk factors: according to the NHS, muscle weakness, balance problems, poor vision, some medicines and hazards at home are the main causes of falls.

Prevention: the WHO shows that balance and strength exercises, home adaptations and medicine reviews reduce falls.

Home safety: MedlinePlus recommends good lighting, handrails, non-slip mats and keeping floors clear.

Survivors: the COG recommends a physiotherapy assessment for survivors with neuropathy or bone problems.

04What happens in the body?

Why does the risk rise?

Neuropathy reduces sensation in the feet, weak muscles make balance harder and some medicines cause dizziness.

Making your home safe

Clear objects and cables from the floor, secure rugs, improve lighting, add a night light and fit handrails.

The bathroom

A non-slip mat, a grab rail, a shower seat and a night light. Take care on wet floors.

Safety in the bathroom
Figure 3.Safety in the bathroom.

Balance exercises

Standing on one leg while holding a chair, heel-to-toe walking and slow sit-to-stand. A physiotherapist can create a personal programme.

A steady point at the top of an arc of light.
Figure 2.Balance and stability.

Daily habits

Get out of bed slowly and sit for a moment first. Wear comfortable closed shoes. Have your eyes checked. Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Protecting against falls

Steps.

Clear — Clear the floors.1ClearClear the floors.
Light — A night light.2LightA night light.
Balance — Balance exercises.3BalanceBalance exercises.
Review — Medicines that cause dizziness.4ReviewMedicines that cause dizziness.
HomeA safe home.
BalanceBalance gets stronger.
ProtectionFewer injuries.

06Lowering the risk of falls (simplified)

AreaWhat to do
FloorRemove objects, cables, slippery rugs
LightGood lighting, a night light
BathroomNon-slip mat, grab rail
BodyBalance and strength exercises
MedicinesCheck for dizziness

* Your doctor and a physiotherapist can assess your own risk.

07Key terms

Neuropathy
Nerve damage with reduced sensation.
Balance
The ability to keep the body steady.
Osteoporosis
Weakening of the bones.
Orthostatic hypotension
A drop in blood pressure on standing up.
Handrail
A rail to hold for support.
Platelet
A cell that helps blood clot.

08Key points

  • Keep floors clear.
  • Use a night light.
  • Fit a grab rail in the bathroom.
  • Do balance exercises.
  • Get up slowly.
  • Tell your doctor about dizziness.

09Frequently asked questions

I fell but was not hurt — should I tell my doctor?

Yes; it helps prevent future falls.

Should I use a walking stick?

If your balance is weak, a physiotherapist will choose a suitable aid.

Which shoes are best?

Closed, comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.

Are children at risk too?

If they have neuropathy or weakness, yes; take care at school and at play.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

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. I fell but was not hurt — should I tell my doctor?

  2. Should I use a walking stick?

  3. Which shoes are best?

  4. Are children at risk too?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. Falls
  2. World Health Organization. Falls
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Falls
  4. NHS. Strength and flexibility exercises
  5. Children's Oncology Group. Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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