A CML diagnosis doesn’t mean everything has to change, but some choices that used to be straightforward aren’t as simple anymore. That’s because what you eat, what you drink and some of the decisions you make can all intersect with your treatment in unexpected ways. Here are some of the most common questions asked by people when they are first diagnosed with CML.
Does CML change what I can eat?
Most people with CML do not need to follow a special diet. The focus, according to Blood Cancer UK, is eating well and being mindful of food safety, rather than cutting out long lists of foods. The main exception is when treatment comes with specific instructions. Some CML drugs interact with certain foods or need to be taken at certain times. Nilotinib, for example, should be taken on an empty stomach, according to Cancer Research UK, because food can affect how much of the drug the body absorbs.
If your treatment has lowered your white blood cell count, you may also need to be more careful with certain foods. This condition, known as neutropenia, can make infections from food more serious and you may need to use extra caution with higher-risk foods, such as raw meat, unpasteurized dairy and pre-prepared salads. Not everyone with CML will need to take those precautions, but it’s worth checking in with your healthcare team.
Can I get a tattoo if I have CML?
Getting a tattoo isn’t automatically off the table, but it’s worth being more careful. Tattoos break the skin, which creates an opening for infection. That’s true for everyone, but it matters more when your blood counts are low. University College London Hospitals recommends speaking to your care team before going ahead with a tattoo or other cosmetic procedure during treatment, and notes that good aftercare can help prevent complications and support healing. If you get the green light from your healthcare team, find an artist you trust and don’t ignore any signs of irritation or slow healing once it’s done.
Is it safe to get a piercing?
A piercing is another break in the skin, so many of the same concerns, including infection and healing, still apply. The issue isn’t that CML itself makes piercings unsafe, but that some treatments can make it harder for your body to fight infection and heal properly. It’s a good idea to run it by your healthcare team before you book. Once the piercing is done, stay on top of the aftercare. Your piercer will have specific instructions, and if anything seems off in the days or weeks that follow, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Can I drink alcohol while taking my CML medication?
If you look online, you’ll find plenty of advice that says people with cancer should skip alcohol altogether. That isn’t wrong, but it isn’t the full picture either. According to Cancer Research UK, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing some cancers, and whether it’s safe for you to drink depends on your situation and your treatment. For people on CML therapy, it may be worth being more careful, particularly if side effects are already an issue or your medication needs to be monitored closely. If you’re unsure, your doctor or pharmacist can give you an answer based on the medication you’re taking.
Is CML contagious?
As the American Cancer Society notes, cancer cannot be spread through close contact. That means CML isn’t something you can catch through touch, kissing, sharing food or simply being around another person.