Anemia
Anemia is a condition where you have an abnormally low number of red blood cells in your bloodstream. The low number of these cells means there is not enough hemoglobin (an iron protein), the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. The following symptoms usually occur gradually and get worse as the hemoglobin level decreases:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Feeling chilled
- Chest pain
- Swelling in the hands and/or feet
- Pale skin
What causes anemia?
Anemia occurs when the bone marrow or kidneys are damaged from cancer or its treatment, which reduces red blood cell production. Treatments that can increase the risk for anemia include chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. Risk of anemia also increases when chemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy, particularly when radiation is directed at certain bones rich in bone marrow (such as the pelvis, legs, chest or abdomen). Certain types of cancer can cause low numbers of red blood cells, which damage bone marrow. Too much blood loss from surgery or a tumor causing internal bleeding can also result in anemia. Other causes include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, which may deplete the nutrients your body needs to produce red blood cells, such as iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid.
When does anemia typically occur?
Anemia related to drug therapy can occur any time during treatment. It sometimes corrects itself within one to two weeks after treatment ends. Your health care provider will monitor your hemoglobin level during your treatment and adjust it as needed. The goal of managing anemia is to increase the hemoglobin level and alleviate symptoms. Medication or a blood transfusion may be recommended.
How you can manage anemia
Over-the-counter supplements may help, but consult with your health care provider before taking any. Eat foods high in iron, which includes green, leafy vegetables, dried fruit, seafood, chicken and beef, eggs and nuts, and high in folic acid asparagus, broccoli, spinach, lima beans, enriched breads and cereals.
If you experience fatigue caused by anemia, consider conserving your energy by limiting daily tasks; having a consistent sleep schedule and taking only short naps; exercising daily (even a short walk has been shown to increase the hemoglobin level in your blood) and eating nutritiously.
When to call your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you feel extremely tired, weak, dizzy or short of breath, have difficulty breathing and/or experience a rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations or chest pain.
