What Type Of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin?

Do you wonder if "cancer can cause anemia?" If so, then get yourself checked, as cancer is directly associated with low hemoglobin levels. It can be fatal, and acute health issues may occur. Many individuals with anemia may develop this medical condition due to iron deficiency, folate deficiency, and long-term disease. However, dietary changes and lifestyle modifications are recommended to ease anemia symptoms.Cancer-related factors associated with anemia mustn't be ignored at all. If you are bothered about what type of cancer causes low hemoglobin, then this blog is for you.

Also Read: How to Increase Hemoglobin level quickly?

What is low hemoglobin?

Low hemoglobin is marked by the body's inability to make red blood cells. It is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.Low Hemoglobin may highlight several diseases that can be deadly. Get yourself checked immediately if you suspect of having such a condition.

How is cancer linked with anemia?

Most importantly, anemia can be considered as the first sign of cancer. Iron deficiency anemia may lower the human body's red blood cells. This sort of anemia generally indicates cancer. Many cancer types affect the quantity and quality of red blood cells.

Additionally, chemotherapy may slow the process of making new red blood cells. Your healthcare provider may talk about screening for cancer if anemia happens. However, untreated anemia can cause serious side effects such as heart problems and depression.

Also Read: What Are The 3 Stages of Iron Deficiency?

Which type of cancer causes low hemoglobin?

Low hemoglobin is caused by blood loss from a tumor or disruption in healthy red blood cell development. Various rare cancer types can end up causing low hemoglobin. Therefore, knowing about those cancers that can cause low blood counts is necessary.

A few cancers that can cause low hemoglobin may include:

1. Leukemia

Generally, leukemia is characterized by rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells. The white blood cells are usually helpful to fight infections in your body. In addition, it can lower the hemoglobin level of your body significantly. Furthermore, abnormal white blood cells can hinder bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells. However, patients suffering from leukemia may report symptoms such as fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and joint pain.

2. Lung Cancer

Can lung cancer cause anemia is a significant concern for many. But, lung cancer may decrease hemoglobin levels in the body. Besides, the condition happens when abnormal cells grow in the lungs. Many individuals who are used to drinking and smoking are affected by this life-threatening disease. However, symptoms of lung cancer may include chest pain, a decrease in appetite, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing.

3. Breast Cancer

If you are worried if blood cancer affects red blood cells, remember that it does. Whether you're experiencing swollen breasts or your breast pain more often, it is a matter of concern. Does breast cancer cause anemia? Reports say that breast cancer can also reduce hemoglobin levels. About 40% of people with breast cancer have lower hemoglobin levels before taking chemotherapy. Ultimately, women may notice a lump in the breast or a variation in the breast size at an early stage.

4. Kidney Cancer

When abnormal cells grow in the kidney tissue, kidney cancer forms. Renal cell carcinoma and other types of kidney cancer may result in anemia. In addition, kidneys secrete a hormone called erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cells. Further to this, anemia can be commonly seen in people with kidney cancer. Individuals with kidney cancer may notice symptoms like night sweats, fever, weight loss, fullness in the back or side, and a general feeling of being unwell.

5. Colon Cancer

Genuinely, iron deficiency is the first symptom of colon cancer. It can be noticed when tumors start to bleed, reducing the amount of red blood cells. In addition, bleeding continuously may reflect a lower blood count automatically. However, the main symptoms of colon cancer may include dizziness, skipped or rapid heartbeat, and fatigue. Colon cancer anemia treatment must be done by an experienced medical professional.

6. Cervical Cancer

Research confirms that half of victims of cervical cancer have lower blood counts. It is characterized by abnormal cell growth in the cervix. Nevertheless, doctors may blame human papillomavirus for causing this cancer. Furthermore, an individual may experience bleeding and iron deficiency, leading to anemia. However, the common symptoms of cervical cancer may include pain in the pelvis, white discharge, irregular menstruation, and weight loss.

7. Prostate Cancer

Can prostate cancer cause anemia? Males may think prostate cancer causes anemia at some point in their lives. It must be understood that abnormal growth of cells in the prostate can be the major cause of prostate cancer. People having prostate cancer may notice bleeding from their prostate gland, and that is serious. Eventually, the production of red blood cells can be hampered because of the tumor. Therefore, unusual bleeding from the prostate may result in anemia.

Does prostate cancer affect white blood cell count? According to clinical trials, patients suffering from prostate cancer showed a lower number of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and WBCs and elevation of monocytes. That means we can say, yes it lowers the white blood cells.

How does cancer cause low hemoglobin?

Low hemoglobin cancer symptoms may occur when cells don’t get enough oxygen. Individuals may start feeling tired more often, and low blood levels may make you look ashen.

Specific ways through which cancer causes low hemoglobin may include:

• Bleeding: Many cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer, end up causing bleeding. It may result in significant blood loss in that particular human.
• Iron Deficiency: Mostly, lung cancer is associated with iron deficiency. In addition, individuals fail to take iron, protein, and folate due to poor appetite. But these are essential elements for hemoglobin formation.
• Chemotherapy and Other Treatments: Generally, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are enabled to target cancer cells. But, bone marrow cells that grow faster may get suppressed due to these treatments. Surgical intervention in such cases may also cause potential blood loss.
• Bone Marrow Infiltration: Cancer cells often enter the bone marrow and hamper red blood cell production. Doing so may lower hemoglobin levels.

Also Read: MCHC Blood Test Low - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What are the common symptoms of anemia?

Directly, anemia can be reflected by the body's deficit of red blood cells. Symptoms of dying from anemia must be known to all.

Certain common symptoms of anemia may include the following:

• Shortness of Breath
• Feeling Weak
• Dizziness
• Cold hands and legs
• Dizziness
• Rapid Heartbeat
• Increased susceptibility to infection
• Headache

Also Read: Hygiene To Prevent Infection

How to treat anemia in cancer patients?

Firstly, the treatment of anemia in cancer patients can be done in two steps. The doctor may point out the underlying cause of anemia on a priority basis. Later on, treatment can be aimed at anemia itself for faster relief.

1. Underlying Causes treatment

Anemia can happen due to different factors, including cancer. Many times, individuals having chemotherapy-induced anemia may need to stop or delay chemo sessions for the time being. When blood counts increase, doctors may resume chemotherapy again. Besides, if cancer gets inside bone marrow, doctors may address bone marrow treatment.

2. General Treatment of Anemia

Specific anemia treatments may include:

• Diet: Your healthcare provider may recommend iron-rich foods if anemia is mild. Some months can be taken to restore the red blood cell count. Furthermore, you may choose from iron-rich foods such as red meat, chicken, and fortified foods.
• Medications: Many medicines are available for stimulating red blood cells. Take your medications as per your doctor's prescription to get good results.
• Iron Supplements: Many individuals may require iron supplements to fulfill their body's iron requirement. Take these supplements only under a doctor's guidance. Studies have proved that intravenous iron can be helpful for cancer patients with anemia. However, some patients may have constipation after taking these.
• Blood Transfusion: A doctor may suggest a blood transfusion for rapidly increasing blood count. It may be used for various medical reasons and is beneficial.

Is cancer caused by lack of oxygen?

The relationship between cancer and oxygen is a subject of ongoing research. Mostly, if surgery is done by exposing cancers in the ambient air then the condition may worsen. As per the University of Georgia study, low oxygen levels in cells may lead to uncontrollable tumor growth in certain cancers. In case, hypoxia or low oxygen levels are the driving force for any cancer then treatment plans are made accordingly.

Conclusion

Low Hemoglobin has been commonly found in almost all cancer patients. If early detection and treatment are done, then it may prove lifesaving. Your main focus must be on an iron-rich diet during anemia. Go to your healthcare provider regularly and get effective treatments.

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