Anemia is a common health condition where the blood has reduced its ability to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues due to a lack of healthy red blood cells. Roughly 25% of the population is estimated to have anemia, in which the majority of people have iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

While most people associate anemia with nutritional deficiencies, having certain types of anemia can sometimes be a symptom of more serious underlying conditions, including cancer.

Anemia and cancer are strongly connected, and according to research, 30 to 90 percent of people with cancer also have anemia. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how anemia is connected with cancer, when to be concerned, and what to do if someone is living with unexplained anemia.

What is Anemia?

A condition when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells or destroys them faster than they can be replaced. It can be caused by various factors such as chronic disease, iron deficiency, and inherited blood disorders. 

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Swelling in the hands or feet

Anemia can be of three types:

• Acute: It comes suddenly due to an injury, surgery, or trauma
• Chronic: It can never go away completely
• Moderate or severe: It depends on the RBC and hemoglobin levels

Can Anemia be a Symptom of Cancer?

Yes, anemia can be a sign of cancer, but it is not always caused by it. When anemia is linked to cancer, it is due to the following reasons:

Blood Loss from Tumors

• Cancers such as colon, esophageal, and stomach can affect the gastrointestinal system and cause chronic internal bleeding. 
• It can go unnoticed for weeks or months, as it’s a slow blood loss, but can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

Anemia of Inflammation

• Cancers that are in advanced stages trigger a prolonged inflammatory response in the body.
• This inflammation interferes with the ability of the body to use iron and results in anemia of inflammation.

Bone Marrow Infiltration

• Blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma originate and spread to the bone marrow, which produces red blood cells. 
• The cancer cells weakened the immune system and crowded out normal cells in the bone marrow.
• It reduces the ability of the bone marrow to produce sufficient red blood cells, resulting in anemia.

Also Read:- Bone Marrow Transplant Cost in India

Nutritional Deficiencies

• Some cancer affects the digestive system and cause poor nutrient absorption, such as iron, folate, or Vitamin B12.
• It causes a deficiency of nutrients and results in iron-deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia.

Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy is the common cancer treatments, but they can damage the bone marrow and reduce red blood cell production.
• A lack of red blood cells in the body leads to anemia.

Anemia due to Cervical Cancer

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted sexually and causes abnormal growth of cells in the cervix.
• This causes bleeding and iron deficiency in the body, which leads to anemia.

Also Read:- Cervical Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Anemia due to Colon Cancer

• The abnormal growth of cells forms tumors on or inside the blood vessels in the colon that carry healthy red blood cells.
• These tumors cause loss of healthy red blood cells, leading to bleeding in the form of bloody stools that can cause anemia.

Also Read:- Colon Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Commonly Associated Cancers with Anemia

Anemia can occur with any type of cancer, but it is most commonly associated with:

• Esophageal Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Blood Cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma)
• Kidney Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Bone Cancer
• Prostate Cancer

Anemia may be the first noticeable symptom in most of these cancers, mainly when blood loss is internal and not detected easily.

When to Worry?

Anemia is a treatable condition, but some signs indicate that your body needs further investigations, especially if you are over 40.

• Bloody stools
• Unexplained anemia that doesn’t improve with supplements
• Persistent pain and discomfort in the abdomen
• Ongoing fatigue despite adequate rest
• Unexplained weight loss
• History of cancer in the family

It is vital to consult a medical specialist, and most probably, they will recommend some tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), colonoscopy, endoscopy, or bone marrow biopsy to check for the cancer.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for anemia in people with cancer depend on the cause and severity of the disease. Specific treatment approaches include:

• Iron Supplements: If anemia is due to nutritional deficiencies, iron supplements or dietary changes are recommended. A stool softener should also be recommended as these supplements can be constipating.
• Blood Transfusion: If your anemia is severe, it may require blood transfusions to rapidly increase the red blood cell count and restore their capacity to carry oxygen.
• Medications: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) promote red blood cell production by activating the bone marrow.
• Steroids: These are helpful in the treatment of hemolytic anemia with lymphomas.

One has to delay their cancer treatment or reduce the dose if they have severe anemia. It is vital to manage your anemia first, as it may cause weakness and make cancer treatment less effective.

Can Anemia be Prevented?

There is no exact way to prevent anemia, but certain steps can be taken to reduce the risk:

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Get enough supplements such as folate, iron, and Vitamin B12 etc
• Manage any chronic condition, such as thyroid, kidney, liver, or autoimmune disorders
• Get regular physical exams and blood tests

Bottom Line

While anemia is a common nutritional deficiency disorder, it can also be a warning sign of cancer. It is vital to understand the signs and symptoms that are severe and persistent. Early detection and prompt treatment of the underlying cause can make a huge difference. 

Consult a medical professional if you or your loved one is dealing with unexplained anemia. Timely diagnosis can uncover serious conditions like cancer at an early and more treatable stage.