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Is anemia a symptom of cancer?

Anemia can be a symptom of cancer. Certain cancers affect the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. This can affect cause low blood counts and result in anemia. These cancers include:

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Myelodysplastic syndromes

Other cancers can cause anemia due to chronic inflammation, blood loss, or poor nutrient absorption.

Anemia can also be a side effect of cancer treatment. For example, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage the bone marrow and lower RBC levels, which can lead to anemia.

Other causes of anemia

Most people with anemia do not have cancer. Anemia can be caused by many different conditions.

Nutrition problems

Inadequate nutrition or having a condition that causes nutrients not to be absorbed properly can cause anemia. This is called having a deficiency.

• Iron-deficiency anemia is caused by not enough iron in the body, leading to low hemoglobin levels and fewer RBCs. Excess blood loss from gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and heavy menstrual periods can also cause iron-deficiency anemia. 
• Vitamin deficiency anemia is due to having not enough of a specific vitamin in the body. Examples include Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or Vitamin B9  (folate) deficiency.

Long-term health problems

Some chronic or long-term health problems can lead to anemia. Since all blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, any condition that affects the bone marrow or how nutrients are circulated can cause anemia.

• Aplastic anemia is a rare but very serious types of anemia. It’s caused by bone marrow failure leading to low RBCs (as well as white blood cells and platelets).
• Other bone marrow disorders or blood disorders.
• Chronic organ problems such as thyroid, kidney, or liver disease can affect how RBCs are circulated which can lead to anemia. Some autoimmune and immune disorders may have a similar effect.

Trauma or injury

Blood loss from an injury, major surgery, or other trauma causes anemia. This may be mild or severe, depending on the type of injury and where it’s located in the body.

Inherited or acquired blood disorders

Certain types of anemia are caused by inherited genes (genetic change or mutation) from parents. Others may develop later.

• Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder where RBCs are stiff and sickle-shaped, or shaped like a crescent instead of being normally round. This blocks blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body.
• Hemolytic anemia is a condition where RBCs are destroyed by the body faster than they can be replaced. Certain types are inherited, while others develop due autoimmune disorders, infections, medications, or toxins.
• Thalassemia is a genetic disorder where the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin, leading to excessive destruction of RBCs.
• Dyserythropoietic anemia or congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) is rare and happens when the bone marrow is not able to produce enough RBCs.
• Iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) is a rare form of iron deficiency anemia that doesn’t respond well to iron supplements.

Medicines and treatments

• Certain medicines taken can have anemia as a side effect. These include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and antibiotics.
• Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can cause anemia. Read more about anemia as a side effect of cancer treatment.

Can anemia be prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent anemia, but there are some things you can do that might help reduce your risk.

• Eat a healthy diet and consider supplements. Be sure you are getting enough iron, folate, vitamin B12, and other nutrients. Talk to your doctor about any supplements you might need.
• Manage any chronic conditions. Get routine care that’s recommended for managing any chronic conditions you may have, like thyroid, kidney, liver, or autoimmune disorders.
• Get regular checkups. Regular physical exams and blood tests can help find signs of anemia and other problems.