Many patients with cancer develop anemia. Under conditions of anemia, the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin definition to carry the proper amount of oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Oxygen is essential for energy production by the organism that causes muscles and organs functioning properly. As a result of anemia, you may feel tired or weak.
The person with anemia may feel a great tiredness and exhaustion. This is a major problem for patients with cancer and that fatigue caused by anemia does not disappear, which may make them feel very ‘discouraged’ and less able to perform their daily activities. Doctors use the name of fatigue to refer to this condition. For more information click on fatigue.
Other symptoms of anemia include:
* Dizziness and headaches
* Difficulty breathing
* Inability to concentrate
* Palpitations
* Pale lips, skin and eyes
* Loss of appetite
* Gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea or constipation.
Anemia can also decrease the effectiveness of cancer treatment. It is important to have a good supply of oxygen for cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, to function properly. According to some scientists, the tumors are more likely to spread to other body parts when they receive an inadequate supply of oxygen. Many doctors believe it is important to treat anemia in cancer patients for cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy are more effective then. Click here for more information about the treatment of anemia.
Tags: Anemia, Anemia associated with cancer, Gastrointestinal disorders, Loss of appetite, Palpitations,