()Cancer can be overwhelming and difficult to diagnose. If you are diagnosed with cancer or are currently undergoing treatment for it, your first priority should be to get well. There are many things you need to know and manage after a cancer diagnosis. The National Blood Clot Alliance and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage you to learn about your potential risk for blood clots. Because cancer and certain cancer treatments can increase the risk of blood clots. Each year, blood clots affect around 900,000 people. About one fifth of these bloodclots are related to cancer.

In the first few months following cancer diagnosis, the risk of a blood clot is highest. Blood clots are more common in certain cancers. These include cancers of the stomach, stomach, brain and lung. A higher stage of cancer means a greater risk of blood clots. You may be at greater risk for blood clots depending on what type of cancer treatment is being given. Your blood clot risk can be increased by treatments that include hospitalization, surgery and chemotherapy as well as hormonal therapy, catheters in your veins, and other therapies.

Learn about the signs and symptoms of a blood clot

Blood clots are most common in the legs and arms.

* Swelling.

* Pain or tenderness not caused by an injury.

* Skin that may be warm to the touch, red, or discolored.

Blood clots can form in the legs and arms, which can lead to serious complications. You may experience the following symptoms when blood clots form in your lungs:

* Difficulty breathing.

* Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath.

* Coughing up blood.

* Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat.

If you notice any signs of blood clots, immediately contact your doctor.

A Plan to Protect Your Healthcare

You can take steps to protect your health and make blood clot awareness a part of your healthcare.

* Know your risks for blood clots, and discuss these risks with your cancer doctor.

* Stay alert for any signs or symptoms of blood clots after surgery or treatment in an outpatient clinic. These signs and symptoms can be serious so make sure to contact your doctor immediately.

* Work with your cancer doctor and make a plan to protect yourself against blood clots that is specific to your personal medical history and treatment.

Visit this site for more information www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword.