Blood Matters: Understanding How Anemia and Cancer Intersect

Anemia is a disease related to blood. This occurs when enough red blood cells are not produced to supply oxygen to the body. Mild anemia does not cause much trouble, but severe anemia can cause fatigue and headache as well as other symptoms. This anemia can be life threatening.

Anemia may develop gradually in cancer patients. Rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, chest pain, swollen hands, pale skin, extreme fatigue can be symptoms of anemia. If someone has cancer and is also experiencing these symptoms, then it is possible that the person may have anemia due to cancer. In this situation there is a need to immediately contact a doctor.

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There is a deep connection between anemia and cancer, because cancer can cause severe anemia symptoms in a person. Apart from this, cancer treatment can also cause anemia. Let us know the relationship between cancer and anemia -

If a person is suffering from cancer, there is a possibility of him having anemia. In such a situation, to avoid this condition, a cancer patient must pay attention to the following things -

• In case of anemia due to blood cancer, blood transfusion can be given to the patient to increase the number of red blood cells.
• If someone has anemia due to bleeding in gastrointestinal cancer, then iron therapy can be given to the patient for this. Also, iron rich foods can be given.
• Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements can also be taken to treat anemia.
• It is very important for cancer patients to get anemia treated, because unless anemia is cured, cancer treatment takes longer and the severity may increase.

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According to the National Anemia Action Council, almost all cancer patients taking chemotherapy can experience mild or severe symptoms of anemia. Symptoms of anemia may be seen in approximately 80 percent of cancer patients.

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Due to anemia, a person's entire daily routine can be affected. Therefore, whatever the cause, it is important to get anemia treated. People who are severely anemic are unable to get their cancer treated on time. Apart from this, chemotherapy and radiation do not give proper results in some cancers and people with anemia. If someone has cancer, then it is important to avoid anemia during this time, because anemia can affect the treatment of cancer. Therefore, if symptoms of anemia are felt during cancer, the doctor must be informed.