Why does food safety matter during cancer treatment?

Some cancer treatments can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight infections—including illness from contaminated food.

Handling and preparing food safely can lower your risk. Helpful steps include keeping foods at safe temperatures (hot foods hot and cold foods cold), scrubbing raw vegetables and fruits, cooking meat, fish, and eggs thoroughly, and using separate utensils, plates, and cutting boards for meats and produce.

Your health care team can share food safety tips that fit your treatment and situation.