Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that contains iron and helps transport oxygen around the body.
Fanconi anemiais a rare genetic condition that affects bone marrow.
Tumors also can develop in the head and neck, gastrointestinal system, and genital tract.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health
This is often due to bleeding tumors.
Colon Cancer
Iron deficiency anemia can be one of the first symptoms of colon cancer.
Kidney cancer can disrupt this process and cause anemia.
Certain medications used to treat types of renal cell carcinoma also can cause anemia as a side effect.
Breast Cancer
Skeletal metastases are the most common location for breast cancer to spread.
It occurs in less than 1% of breast cancer cases and is challenging to diagnose.
In one case study, a patient experienced bone marrow fibrosis due to occult breast cancer.
In this case, the patient’s bone marrow was replaced by scar tissue, resulting in anemia.
Ferritin, Anemia, and Cancer
Low levels of a protein called ferretin can cause iron-deficiency anemia.
Prostate Cancer
One of the first symptoms ofprostate canceris sometimes anemia.
Additionally, anemia occurs frequently with advanced prostate cancer.
Lung Cancer
Anemia is common in individuals withlung cancer.
When anemia occurs in patients before treatment, the prognosis is considered poorer.
Anemia may be due to cancer spreading to the bone marrow and the release of variouscytokines.
This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.
Some of these include:
Your oncologist will check your iron levels periodically throughout your cancer treatment.
Treatment
The treatment of anemia in people with cancer includes two primary steps.
The first is treating the underlying cause of the anemia, which can sometimes eliminate the anemia.
Some simple measures can help as your anemia is being evaluated and treated.
Pacing yourself throughout the day and prioritizing activities is also helpful, as is learning to ask for help.
Summary
Blood, bone, colon, and other cancers are associated with anemia.
Cancers can cause low hemoglobin (anemia) either directly or as a consequence of treatment.
Internal bleeding from tumors, altered hemoglobin production, and chemotherapy, can each contribute to anemia’s development.
If anemia has no established cause, further testing is often indicated.
Cancer is diagnosed using multiple means, including imaging, endoscopic testing, and biopsies.
Treatment of both cancer and anemia is dependent on the condition diagnosed.
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