What Should I Know About Anemia During Chemotherapy?
Anemia due to chemotherapy isn’t something we hear about as often as, say, hair loss, but it is a very common and undertreated side effect of chemotherapy. What Is Anemia? Anemia (also known as “low blood” or “iron poor blood”) is defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin, resulting in a diminished ability of the blood to carry oxygen to body tissues. Anemia is usually defined as a hemoglobin less than 13.5 grams/100 ml in men, and less than 12 grams/100 ml in women. It can contribute to fatigue and cause a number of other symptoms that can affect your quality of life. What Causes Anemia During Cancer Treatment? There are several causes of anemia during lung cancer treatment. Some of these include: • Chemotherapy medication
