Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots) and Cancer

If you are currently being treated for cancer, it is important to know that you are at increased risk for developing a blood clot. The good news, though, is blood clots may be preventable and treated if discovered early.

While everyone is at risk for developing a blood clot (also called venous thromboembolism or VTE), having cancer and some of its treatments increase the risk for a blood clot. Learn other interesting facts about blood clots below.

Why Are People with Cancer at Risk for Developing a Blood Clot?

Some cancers pose a greater risk for blood clots, including cancers involving the pancreas, stomach, brain, lungs, uterus, ovaries, and kidneys. Certain blood cancers, such as lymphoma and myeloma, also increase risk.
Treatments for these cancers involving hospitalization, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and catheters (small tubes placed in veins to administer treatments) may also increase your risk for blood clots.

Several other factors may also increase the risk for a blood clot in a person being treated for cancer, such as

A previous blood clot
Family history of blood clots or inherited clotting disorder
Hospitalization for illness or major surgery, particularly those involving the pelvis, abdomen, hip, or knee
Broken bone or severe muscle injury
Severe physical trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident
Serious medical conditions, such as heart and lung diseases or diabetes
Sitting too long, such as traveling for more than 4 hours, especially with legs crossed
Other causes of immobility, such as extended bedrest
Being overweight or having obesity
Smoking