Can anemia lead to cancer?

There are several types of anemia; however, iron-deficiency anemia is most often linked to cancer. Iron-deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body. Read on to learn more about the anemia-cancer connection.

What is the main cause of leukemia?

While the exact cause of leukemia – or any cancer, for that matter – is unknown, there are several risk factors that have been identified, such as radiation exposure, previous cancer treatment and being over the age of 65.

Is anemia a symptom of leukemia?

Many types of leukemia produce no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Eventually, symptoms may include any of the following: Anemia and related symptoms, such as fatigue, pallor, and a general feeling of illness.

Can you have anemia without cancer?

People with cancer may also develop anemia due to reasons other than cancer (for reasons that people without cancer may develop anemia). If you have anemia but do not have cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend looking for cancer as a possible cause.

What causes anemia?

Causes of anemia

• Iron deficiency anemia. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body.
• Vitamin deficiency anemia.
• Anemia of inflammation.
• Aplastic anemia.
• Anemias associated with bone marrow disease.
• Hemolytic anemias.
• Sickle cell anemia.

What cancers are associated with anemia?

The cancers most closely associated with anemia are: Cancers that involve the bone marrow. Blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma interfere with or destroy the marrow’s ability to make healthy blood cells. Other cancers that spread to the bone marrow can also cause anemia.

What is the difference between anemia and leukemia?

While anemia and leukemia are very different conditions, they share a core similarity: they both affect the blood. But leukemia is a cancer, which involves unchecked cell growth. In contrast, anemia involves a lack of red blood cells. That said, leukemia does remain a risk factor for anemia.

How serious is being anemic?

Anemia if not treated for a long period can lead to serious complications. These include heart failure, severe weakness and poor immunity. Anemia is a medical condition in which the person does not have enough red blood cells or RBCs. The RBCs in the blood carry iron a specialized protein called hemoglobin.