Anemia linked to cancer risk
Experts suggest that anemia may reduce a cancer patient’s overall ability to recover after treatment.
Older cancer patients lose a significant amount of function (the ability to perform daily activities and tasks) when they are anemic, compared to those who only have cancer.
Therefore, people with cancer if there is a diagnosis of anemia or the risk of anemia should take preventive measures soon to ensure the number of red blood cells is within a healthy threshold.
Some types of cancer such as blood cancer, bone cancer or colon cancer can cause anemia.
Cancer occurs when cells mutate and multiply uncontrollably.
This is a group of diseases that affect almost all different parts of the body, the severity of the disease also depends on many stages.
Meanwhile, anemia refers to a blood disorder that causes a low number of red blood cells, making it difficult for the blood to transport enough oxygen to support the body’s functions.
According to Healthline, many studies have shown that about 30-90% of people with cancer also have anemia. Anemia and cancer are closely related.
Anemia has been found to be a risk factor for developing cancer.
There are some cancers that can attack blood cells, causing anemia. Treating cancer with chemotherapy can also cause anemia by slowing down the production of new blood cells.
Researchers suggest that anemia and cancer are multifactorial, meaning there is more than one reason why a person with cancer may be anemic.
Depending on the different types of cancer, the causes of anemia are also different.
Anemia comes in many types, of which iron deficiency anemia is the type most associated with cancer.
Here are some common types of cancers associated with anemia.
