DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 48 and am being treated for metastatic breast cancer. Despite my diagnosis, I live a fairly normal life, am physically active and strive to optimize my health from a noncancer standpoint. An acquaintance who works in health care advised that I should watch closely for blood clots and be monitored. What is the risk of developing a blood clot, and how can I minimize my chances? How will I know if I have one?
ANSWER: Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is never easy, especially when you have so many potential things to worry about, including side effects from treatments. Discussion around the risk of blood clots often can be overshadowed in patients with cancer because many other issues take priority during office visits.
While blood clots can be dangerous, many strategies can minimize the risk. But it is important to discuss your individualized risk with your health care team.
