Cancer and mpox

Mpox (monkeypox) is usually a self-limited viral infection with a rash that may be painful. Self-limited means that most people recover after a few weeks without taking medicine. But in some cases, people can become very sick and could die.

In July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

For the most up-to-date information on mpox in Canada, visit the Government of Canada's website.

If you have cancer, you may be at risk for more serious outcomes of mpox. Cancer is considered an underlying medical condition, and cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy can weaken your immune system and make it harder for you to fight infections like mpox.

Current evidence suggests that mpox spreads in 3 ways:

• from person to person
• through direct contact with contaminated objects
• from animals to humans

Anyone can get infected and spread mpox if they come into close contact with someone who has the virus, regardless of:

• sex
• race
• gender
• sexual orientation

Having multiple sexual partners may increase your overall risk of infection.

Health Canada has authorized the Imvamune vaccine for immunization against mpox infection in adults 18 years of age and older who have a high risk of exposure to mpox. The vaccine helps your body build immunity without getting very sick. 

The vaccine may also be offered to people who are at a higher risk of exposure and who:

• are immunocompromised due to cancer or other diseases or treatments
• are pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• are under 18 years of age
• have atopic dermatitis

Talk to your healthcare team about your risk of exposure to mpox and whether you should get the mpox vaccine.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that the Imvamune  vaccine for mpox and an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 be given at least 4 weeks apart.