Isn't it fascinating to know that a routine blood test can sometimes indicate the presence of cancer? Although a definitive cancer diagnosis usually requires specialised tests, such as imaging studies or biopsies, by detecting potential signs of cancer, such as abnormal levels of specific markers like tumour antigens or blood cell counts, a blood test can help connect the dots and facilitate early cancer diagnosis.
Anaemia, a condition characterised by low red blood cell levels, has commonly been associated with various cancers, either due to the disease itself or due to cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, Dr Kiran Kumar Sajjanshetty, MBBS, MD, Radiation Oncology, DM Medical Oncology and Haematology, Apollo Clinic, Bengaluru, told the OnlyMyHealth team.
Also Read: Anemia: Do's and Don’ts To Manage The Blood Disorder
The Link Between Anaemia And Cancer
According to a study published in Advances in Hematology, cancer is among the most common conditions associated with anaemia, with the prevalence ranging from 30-90% of all cancer patients during the course of their diseases.
Anaemia generally occurs when the body does not make enough Red Blood Cells (RBCs) or if the body loses too much blood from the bloodstream. It is characterised by a RBC count that is lower than the normal haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in RBCs that carries oxygen to your cells.
Cancer-related anaemia can occur due to various reasons.
Some cancers, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract, may result in bleeding. Chronic blood loss is one of the common causes of a decrease in RBCs, which results in anaemia.
Cancers can also affect and suppress the bone marrow, where blood cells, including the RBCs, are produced. This interference with normal blood cell production can also lead to anaemia.
In addition, when cancer affects the kidneys, it interferes with the production of a hormone called erythropoietin, which is also responsible for the production of RBCs. Hence, it affects the blood count and causes anaemia.
Apart from this, anaemia can also be a side effect of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, according to Cancer.Net.
A research article published in the Dovepress found that 89.5% (3,962) of the total 4,426 patients who received chemotherapy developed anaemia during the course of chemotherapy.
"The incidence of grade 2+ anaemia ranged from 26.3% in colorectal cancer patients to 59.2% in ovarian cancer patients. Incidence of grade 2+ anaemia increased from 29% in stage I to 49% in stage IV. Incidence of grade 2+ anaemia varied from 18.2% in breast cancer patients treated with cyclophosphamide + docetaxel regimen to 59.7% in patients with ovarian cancer receiving carboplatin + paclitaxel regimen," the study results said.
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What Types Of Cancers Are Associated With Anaemia?
Blood and bone marrow cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, gastrointestinal cancers, such as colon cancer, cervical cancer, and kidney cancer are some of the cancers associated with anaemia. These types of cancers either affect the production of RBCs, thereby leading to anaemia.
Also Read: Bone Pain To Itchy Skin, Unusual Signs Of Blood Cancer To Watch Out For
Symptoms Of Anaemia
Some of the common symptoms of anaemia include:
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Cold hands and feet
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia
- Chest pain and discomfort
- Brittle nails and hair
Dr Sajjanshetty recommended, “If you have any of the above symptoms, a clinical consultation along with a few blood tests will rule out any significant problem. Depending on the risk factors, if you have a family history or a previous nutritional deficiency, you may need periodic screening for anaemia.”