Wondering if cancer can cause anemia? If so, get yourself tested because cancer is directly related to low hemoglobin levels. It can be fatal and can cause acute health problems. Many people with anemia may develop this condition due to iron deficiency, folate deficiency, and long-term illness. However, dietary changes and lifestyle modifications are recommended to reduce the symptoms of anemia. Cancer-related factors associated with anemia should not be completely ignored. If you’re wondering which types of cancer cause low hemoglobin, this blog is for you.
Also read: How to quickly increase hemoglobin levels?
What is low hemoglobin?
Low hemoglobin is characterized by the body’s inability to make red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low hemoglobin can highlight several potentially fatal diseases. If you suspect you have these symptoms, get tested immediately.
How are cancer and anemia related?
Most importantly, anemia is considered the first sign of cancer. Iron deficiency anemia can reduce red blood cells in the human body. This type of anemia commonly indicates cancer. Many types of cancer affect the quantity and quality of red blood cells.
Additionally, chemotherapy can slow the process of making new red blood cells. If anemia occurs, your health care provider may talk to you about cancer screening. However, untreated anemia can lead to serious side effects such as heart disease and depression.
Also read: What are the 3 stages of iron deficiency?
Which types of cancer cause low hemoglobin?
Decreased hemoglobin is caused by blood loss due to the tumor and interference with the development of healthy red blood cells. Various types of rare cancers can cause low hemoglobin. Therefore, it is necessary to know about cancers that can cause low blood cell counts.
Some cancers that can cause low hemoglobin include:
1.Leukemia
In general, leukemia is characterized by the rapid proliferation of abnormal white blood cells. White blood cells normally help fight infections in the body. In addition, it can significantly reduce hemoglobin levels in the body. Additionally, abnormal white blood cells can interfere with the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells. However, patients with leukemia may complain of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and joint pain.
2. Lung cancer
Whether lung cancer causes anemia is a major concern for many people. However, lung cancer can reduce hemoglobin levels in the body. Additionally, this condition can also occur when abnormal cells grow in the lungs. Many people who are used to drinking and smoking are affected by this life-threatening disease. However, symptoms of lung cancer may include chest pain, loss of appetite, persistent cough, and difficulty breathing.
3. Breast cancer
If you’re concerned about whether your blood cancer affects your red blood cells, remember that it does. Breast tenderness or frequent chest pain is a concern. Does Breast Cancer Cause Anemia? According to reports, breast cancer can also reduce hemoglobin levels. Approximately 40% of breast cancer patients have low hemoglobin levels before undergoing chemotherapy. Ultimately, women may notice breast lumps or changes in breast size early on.
4. Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer forms when abnormal cells grow within kidney tissue. Renal cell carcinoma and other types of kidney cancer can cause anemia. Additionally, the kidneys secrete a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cells. Additionally, anemia is common in kidney cancer patients. Kidney cancer patients may notice symptoms such as night sweats, fever, weight loss, bloating in the back or sides, and a general feeling of being unwell.
5. Colon cancer
In fact, iron deficiency is the first symptom of colon cancer. You can tell when the tumor starts to bleed and the amount of red blood cells decreases. Additionally, continued bleeding may automatically reflect a drop in blood cell counts. However, the main symptoms of colon cancer may include dizziness, skipped or fast heartbeat, and feeling tired. Treatment of colon cancer anemia should be done by an experienced medical professional.
6. Cervical cancer
Studies have confirmed that half of cervical cancer victims have low blood cell counts. It is characterized by abnormal cell growth in the cervix. Nevertheless, doctors may blame human papillomavirus as the cause of this cancer. In addition, bleeding and iron deficiency can occur, leading to anemia. However, common symptoms of cervical cancer include pelvic pain, white discharge, irregular menstrual periods, and weight loss.
7. Prostate cancer
Can prostate cancer cause anemia? Men may think that prostate cancer causes anemia at some point in their lives. You must understand that abnormal growth of cells within the prostate gland can be the main cause of prostate cancer. People with prostate cancer may notice bleeding from the prostate, which is serious. Eventually, the tumor may prevent the production of red blood cells. Therefore, abnormal bleeding from the prostate can cause anemia.
According to Does Prostate Cancer Affect White Blood Cell Count? clinical trial, patients with prostate cancer had decreased numbers of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and white blood cells, and an increase in monocytes. So, yes, we can say that white blood cells drop.
How does cancer cause a drop in hemoglobin?
Low hemoglobin cancer symptoms can occur when cells do not receive enough oxygen. You may feel tired more often, and your face may turn pale as blood levels drop.
The specific causes of decreased hemoglobin due to cancer include:
- bleeding: Many cancers, such as breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer, eventually cause bleeding. May cause significant blood loss in certain individuals.
- Iron deficiency: Most lung cancers are associated with iron deficiency. In addition, loss of appetite prevents the intake of iron, protein, and folic acid. However, they are essential elements in the formation of hemoglobin.
- Chemotherapy and other treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are generally available to target cancer cells. However, these treatments can suppress bone marrow cells, which grow faster. Surgical intervention in such cases may also result in possible blood loss.
- Bone marrow infiltration: Cancer cells often invade the bone marrow and interfere with the production of red blood cells. Hemoglobin levels may decrease.
Also read: Low MCHC Blood Test Values - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
What are the common symptoms of anemia?
Anemia can be directly reflected by the body’s lack of red blood cells. Everyone should know the symptoms of death from anemia.
Common symptoms of anemia include:
- shortness of breath
- Feeling of weakness
- dizzy
- cold hands and feet
- dizzy
- fast heartbeat
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- headache
Also read: Hygiene to prevent infection
How to treat anemia in cancer patients?
First, treating anemia in cancer patients can be done in two steps. Your doctor may prioritize the underlying cause of your anemia. The anemia itself can then be treated to improve faster.
1. Treatment of the underlying cause
Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including cancer. In many cases, people with chemotherapy-induced anemia may need to stop or postpone chemotherapy for the time being. If your blood cell count increases, your doctor may start chemotherapy again. Additionally, if the cancer has invaded the bone marrow, doctors may use bone marrow therapy.
2. General treatment of anemia
Specific anemia treatments include:
- diet: If your anemia is mild, your health care provider may recommend foods rich in iron. It may take several months for your red blood cell count to recover. Additionally, you can choose from iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, and fortified foods.
- medicine: There are many drugs that stimulate red blood cells. For good results, take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
- Iron supplements: Many people may require iron supplements to meet their body’s iron needs. These supplements should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor. Research has shown that intravenous iron may be helpful for cancer patients with anemia. However, some patients become constipated after taking these.
- transfusion: If your blood cell count increases rapidly, your doctor may suggest a blood transfusion. It can be used and beneficial for a variety of medical reasons.
Is lack of oxygen the cause of cancer?
The relationship between cancer and oxygen is a topic of ongoing research. In most cases, exposing the cancer to the air and performing surgery can make the condition worse. According to University of Georgia research, low oxygen levels within cells can lead to uncontrolled tumor growth in certain cancers. If hypoxia or low oxygen levels are the driving force behind the development of cancer, treatment plans will be designed accordingly.
conclusion
Decreased hemoglobin is common in almost all cancer patients. Early detection and treatment can potentially save lives. During anemia, you should focus on a diet rich in iron. Please visit a medical institution regularly and receive effective treatment.
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FAQ
Can I have low hemoglobin even if I don’t have cancer?
Low hemoglobin levels can be caused by heavy menstrual flow, medications, or pregnancy.
Does low hemoglobin indicate cancer?
Low hemoglobin indicates cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and kidney cancer.
What are the symptoms of low hemoglobin cancer?
Symptoms of low hemoglobin cancer include fatigue, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Does anemia mean cancer?
In most cases, anemia means cancer, but anemia can be caused by several other reasons.
Does cancer cause decreased hemoglobin levels?
Cancer can usually cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels.
What cancers cause elevated ferritin levels?
Patients with lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma showed increased ferritin levels.
Can I undergo surgery even if my hemoglobin level is low?
According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the hemoglobin level should be at least 6 g/dL.