Providing free online community support to people affected by breast cancer
Free Member Signup
Site Search
A member has asked a question about partner having a sore mouth and developing mouth ulcers after she had several treatments of chemo.
Although there is not a high likelihood of chemotherapy causing mouth ulcers in a partner, this is also not impossible. Some people are very sensitive to even very small traces of certain medications, and these drugs may be present in saliva when having chemotherapy treatment. Certain other factors also need to be considered. It’s possible that any mouth infections may be transferred to partners, especially if they are having antibiotic treatment which may lower their resistance. Thirdly, stress may cause an increase in mouth ulcers. Further advice may be obtained from your Oncologist, chemo nurse, GP or pharmacist.
Precautions when having chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy may cause effects to other family members through body fluids, therefore precautions should be taken when having chemotherapy treatment. Your treating Oncology centre will usually provide information regarding recommended precautions during treatment. If you have not received this, please discuss with your doctor or Oncology nurse.
Chemotherapy is strong treatment and the drugs work by affecting fast-growing cells in the body. The aim is to destroy cancer cells (which are generally faster-growing than normal cells in the body), however other fast-growing cells in the body may be affected (including hair, mucosal lining of mouth and gastro-intestinal tract, white blood cells, etc).
When chemotherapy drugs are given, they generally circulate around the body and break down over 2 – 3 days. As the drugs breaks down and are excreted (removed), body fluids and waste may contain small amounts. Most of this will be flushed down the toilet, however may be present in other body fluids such as sweat, saliva, tears, semen, vaginal secretions, etc. Generally after 48hrs this will be reduced to very minimal levels, however may be present for up to a week.
Although the levels present in these body fluids are usually low, precautions are generally advised to protect other family members. This includes:
*flush the toilet twice (or full flush) after each use
* wash hands thoroughly
*handle any body fluids with gloves, wash linen and dispose of gloves and other waste
*avoid prolonged or deep kissing
*wear protection such as condom during sex
Further information is available from the Cancer Council and Cancer Australia websites.
An informative booklet on chemotherapy is available at: https://www.cancerwa.asn.au/resources/2012-07-02-Understanding-Chemotherapy.pdf
(NB: Link updated Feb '14. Information regarding safety precautions is from page 18 - 21.)
Cheers, Glenys (Click BCN) xx
This post was edited by Glenys at March 16, 2012 12:40:37 PM WATime"
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
