Lifetime Network’s “The Balancing Act” explores the impact an infection can have on cancer treatment with guests Dr. Kurt Tauer, an oncologist with the West Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee and Donna Deegan, broadcast journalist, author and cancer survivor.

Dr. Tauer explains that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are more susceptible to developing neutropenia, a condition characterized by a low white blood cell count that may leave the body vulnerable to developing an infection. If an infection occurs, it can lead to hospitalization and may jeopardize treatment.

Dr. Tauer and Ms. Deegan also encourage patients to educate themselves on their disease and communicate with their doctor to better understand what they can do to help lower their infection-risk and help keep their chemotherapy treatment on schedule.

“The Balancing Act,” a one-hour morning show for women focusing on many issues and topics relevant to women including health, beauty, family, career, financials and self-empowerment airs on the Lifetime Network. The Amgen-sponsored segment is included as part of a series on cancer called “Balancing Act Takes on Cancer… Hear Us Roar.” This series examines a number of issues related to cancer, including cancer prevention and detection, intervention and the sharing of experiences with others.

To learn more about chemotherapy, please visit www.chemotherapy.com.

Video: Watch Dr. Tauer and cancer survivor Donna Deegan discuss cancer, chemotherapy and the risk for infection.