Can Prostate Cancer Cause Anemia

When Should I Call My Doctor

You should call your doctor if you:

• Are too tired to get out of bed for more than a 24-hour period
• Become confused
• Get dizzy, lose your balance or fall
• Have a problem catching your breath
• Have chest pains

If you have any of these signs talk to your doctor or health care team. There are medicines and treatments that can help you feel better. It is important that you talk to your doctor or health care team about any side effects you may have during or after your treatment. Your health care team can help treat these problems.

The Link Between Anemia And Cancer Treatments

According to the National Anemia Action Council, almost all patients receiving chemotherapy drugs for cancer are mildly anemic. Moreover, as much as 80 percent develop a more serious health issue. The form of chemotherapy youre receiving, your cancer stage, and your overall health play a significant role in whether you will or will not have anemia.

Chemotherapy drugs target and eliminate fast-dividing cells in the body, regardless if they are cancerous or not, says Zora R. Rogers, MD, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Cells found in the bone marrow, where your blood cells are made, are especially sensitive to chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy reduces the bone marrows ability to produce new blood cells, said Dr. Rogers. As a result, you become anemic. If hemoglobin levels drop to 8 g/DL or lower in adult men and women, transfusion of red blood cells may become necessary, explained Rogers.

Anemia Is A Risk Factor For Prostate Cancer Prognosis

Considering that the mix of prognostic and retrospective cohorts might cause heterogeneity, we separately calculated the pooled HR and 95% CI for different study types. Meta-analyses based on prognostic studies showed that the anemia significantly lead to a worse prognostic for both OS and PFS . Meta-analyses based on retrospective studies also showed that the anemia promote prostate cancer progression . However, the heterogeneity was relatively high in this analysis. Since different populations were involved in current meta-analyses, we further performed meta-analyses in different populations. Surprisingly, no heterogeneity was found in sub-group population-based meta-analyses, and consistently, the meta-analyses showed that the anemia lead to a worse prognosis in Caucasians and Asians . Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis was performed. After excluding one potential heterogeneity-causing study , no heterogeneity was found in the new meta-analysis and the results showed the anemia still promote the prostate cancer progression . We speculated the heterogeneity might result from the population, as the excluding study was the only study involving African-Americans and Hispanics patients. Besides, one study with cancer specific survival endpoint showed no significant association between anemia and mCRPC prognosis .

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What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer symptoms do not usually manifest themselves in the early stages of the disease. Less than five percent of men with prostate cancer show early urinary symptoms. The condition has usually progressed to later stages when prostate cancer symptoms do arise.

Some men may experience symptoms that can indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Others may find out during a routine check-up, a blood test, or a rectal exam with their doctor. Because the symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to other symptoms patients, will need to go through further testing to determine whether they actually have prostate cancer.

The Initial Causes Prostate Cancer Anemia

One of the first symptoms of prostate issues is pain or tenderness in the groin or lower back. This can be the result of a noncancerous condition called enlarged prostatic tissue, or it could be an infection of the bladder. In either case, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youre suffering from prostate pain, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake.

Another symptom of a potentially enlarged prostate is difficulty starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. These symptoms are not serious, but theyre still alarming. Most men put up with an enlarged prostate for years before seeking medical attention, but they typically seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Even if you dont have symptoms, its worth getting checked to determine if you have any prostate issues.

If you experience nightly bathroom runs, you may be experiencing an enlarged prostate. You may be having difficulty starting a stream of urine, or you may even be dribbling or leaking during the day. These problems arent life-threatening, but can become a nuisance. You should not ignore these signs and seek treatment as soon as you notice them. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

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Tests For Causes Of Anemia

A complete blood count is a blood test that measures your hemoglobin level and other characteristics of your red blood cells . This test not only shows if you have anemia, but it can also help your doctor figure out what might be causing it.

You might also need other tests to help to find what is causing it. These could include:

• Blood chemistry tests to check organ function and levels of vitamins and minerals
• A blood test called a reticulocytecount
• A bone marrow exam to make sure your bone marrow is working as it should
• Blood tests to look at your iron, vitamin B12, and folate levels
• A test of your stool to check for blood

Your doctor or nurse can use the results of these tests, along with your medical information and a physical exam, to get an idea of what might be causing your anemia. Sometimes no cause can be found other than anemia of chronic disease. This type of anemia is often found in people with long-lasting problems like congestive heart failure, inflammatory diseases, or cancer.

Radiotherapy To The Prostate

Some men who have just been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer may be offered external beam radiotherapy as part of their first treatment. This is where high-energy X-ray beams are directed at the prostate from outside the body. The X-ray beams damage the cancer cells and stop them from dividing and growing. Read more about radiotherapy for advanced prostate cancer.

Radiotherapy to the prostate isnt suitable for all men with advanced prostate cancer. If it isnt suitable for you, you might be offered a type of radiotherapy to help manage symptoms instead.

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How To Prevent And Treat Bone Problems

Radiation therapy. This treatment shrinks your bone tumors. It can ease your bone pain if your hormone therapy stops working. Your doctor may focus a beam of radiation on a certain spot, or they may inject a radioactive substance into your vein, which kills the prostate cancer cells that absorb it.

If your prostate cancer hasn’t spread beyond your bones, your doctor may consider using the drug radium-223 . It delivers radiation directly to the bone tumors. You get it by injection once a month.

Surgery. A surgeon can remove a tumor in your bones and then repair the bone with bone cement, pins, screws, plates, rods, or other devices. You may also need surgery to strengthen a broken bone.

Bisphosphonates. These drugs slow the breakdown of bones, making them stronger. Zoledronic acid can ease pain and delay or prevent breaks in some men with prostate cancer, and can help protect their bones when they are taking hormone therapy.

Denosumab . This drug can slow the loss of bone. It may also protect your bones when you take hormone therapy.

Painkillers. Several drugs can help manage your pain, including:

• Prednisone. This steroid can curb swelling around the cancer in bones.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen, which can ease mild pain.
• Opioids, such as long-acting morphine or fentanyl patches, which you may need if you have severe pain.

Ask your doctor if you should take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

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What Have I Learned By Reading This

You learned about:

• Why chemotherapy can cause anemia
• How to know if you may have anemia
• How your doctor will treat your anemia
• Things you can do to help manage your anemia
• When to call your doctor

If you have any questions, please talk to your doctor or health care team. It is important that you understand what is going on with your prostate cancer treatment. This knowledge will help you take better care of yourself and feel more in control so that you can get the most from your treatment.

• Anemia: when you do not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
• Anticancer: medicines used in the treatment of cancer.
• Blood transfusion: when you get blood donated by another person.
• Chemotherapy : a prostate cancer treatment, which treats your whole body with powerful anticancer medicines to kill many of your prostate cancer cells.
• Fatigue: mental or physical tiredness.
• I.V. or intravenous : a plastic tube going into a vein in your arm, which gives you any fluids or medicine, you might need.
• Platelets: cells in your blood that help stop bleeding.
• Red Blood Cells: cells in your blood that carry oxygen from your lungs throughout your body.
• Respiration: how quickly you are breathing.
• Side Effects: unwanted changes in your body caused by your prostate cancer treatment.
• Unit: a pint of blood given to you during a blood transfusion.
• White Blood Cells: cells in your blood that help you fight infection.

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Can Bone Marrow Cancer Cause Anemia

Cancers that involve the marrow space, such as leukemia or lymphoma, compete with marrow function and interfere with normal red blood cell production. This, then, causes anemia, says ONeill. Its also why cancers, like breast and prostate cancer, can metastasize to the bone marrow, which can also cause anemia, Steensma says.

What are the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer?

In particular, anemia in patients with advanced prostate cancer results in significant morbidity. Symptoms caused by anemia, such as fatigue, malaise, lethargy, dyspnea, and tachycardia, are common in this population and interfere with daily activities.1 Go to: Incidence

Can a person get cancer if they are anemic?

Both doctors emphasize that being anemic does not mean you have cancer or will develop cancer. Cancer is way down the list in terms of the most common causes of anemia, Steensma says.

When To Call A Professional

If you are age 50 or older, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. Some experts believe screening with PSA tests and DREs saves lives because cancer can be detected early. Others say that screening causes more harm than good. That’s because some men will suffer side effects from treatment they may not have needed. Your doctor can help you decide whether screening makes sense for you.

If you decide to get screened, your doctor probably will do a prostate exam and check your PSA level every one to two years, starting at age 50. If prostate cancer runs in your family, or if you are African American, screening may start at age 40.

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Some Cancers Can Cause Anemia When They Cause Internal Bleeding Or Disrupt Red Blood Cell Production And Function

Anemia is the inadequate supply of healthy red blood cells.

Anemia can be caused by many factors, and one of them is cancer.

If a person suspects anemia due to having symptoms such as tiring easily, getting winded easily, pale skin, dizziness and chest pain, they may jump to the conclusion they have cancer if they know that cancer is associated with some cases of anemia.

However, anemia normally has non-malignant causes such as an intestinal ulcer, menstruation, poor diet and low iron levels. But some non-malignant causes are serious such as liver disease or lupus.

Anemia With Existing Cancer Diagnosis

Its important to rule out cancer when treating anemia. Identifying a tumor can help doctors understand why youre anemic.

If youre anemic but already have a cancer diagnosis, your doctor likely already knows what is causing your anemia due to the thorough tests involved in your cancer treatment. Treatment for anemia in this context will focus on treating the underlying disease. Blood transfusions can also help counteract the anemia caused by cancer and its therapies.

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Why Is Anemia Linked To Cancer

While there are several types of anemia, iron deficiency anemia is the type that is most often linked to cancer. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body.

There are several cancers that can attack blood cells, causing anemia. Chemotherapy cancer treatment can also cause anemia by slowing down the production of new blood cells.

Ultimately, researchers

is caused by a lack of a sufficient amount of the mineral iron to make healthy red blood cells. Your body makes red blood cells in bone marrow, a spongy material inside your bodys largest bones.

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body. A low red blood cell count or anemia occurs when:

• the body does not make enough
• red blood cells are lost through bleeding
• the body starts to destroy its own red blood cells

When red blood cells are damaged or not numerous enough, they cannot carry oxygen efficiently throughout your body. This leads to symptoms including weakness and fatigue. Anemia can cause serious health complications if left untreated.

Iron deficiency anemia is

• blood loss, especially through menstrual cycles

People most at risk for anemia include older adults, people who menstruate, people with alcohol use disorder, and those who experience neglect, or those who are unable to access enough nutrients.

Anemia And Blood Cancer

Blood cancer is one type of cancer commonly linked to anemia. Thats because blood cancer affects how your body produces and uses red blood cells.

Most of the time, blood cancers start in the bone marrow, causing abnormal blood cell growth. These abnormal blood cells push out healthy bone marrow cells, interfering with the production of red blood cells. This reduces your bodys ability to function normally and can cause bleeding or infection.

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Causes Of Anemia Related To Cancer

Causes of anemia that are related to cancer include:

• Bone marrow replacement: Some cancers, such as lymphomas or metastases from breast cancer can invade the bone marrow and replace the bone marrow cells which make red blood cells.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can induce anemia.
• Cytokines: High levels of cytokines related to some cancers can slow the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow.
• Change in diet: Cancer itself can cause a poor appetite which can result in nutritional deficiencies leading to anemia. In addition to affecting the bone marrow, chemotherapy can cause symptoms such as mouth sores, taste changes, and loss of appetite that can lead to anemia.
• Hemolytic anemia: This can occur in people without cancer but is particularly common in people with lymphomas.

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Symptomatic treatment of an enlarged prostate usually involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be the best option if you suffer from chronic urination. It will help the body adjust to the increased size of the prostate. Also, taking regular urination intervals will help retrain the bladder to function properly. Inactivity also contributes to urine retention, and cold temperatures can increase the urge to urinate.

Invasive treatment of enlarged prostate includes medication that relieves the pressure on the urethra and bladder. However, if the condition is severe, it may require surgical intervention. If treatment is not successful, the enlarged prostate can become a potentially life-threatening disease. As the hormone levels in the body change, the enlarged prostate can lead to various complications, including urinary retention and even cancer. This is why it is critical to see a doctor for further evaluation.

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Worsening Anemia Signals Poorer Outcomes In Men Treated For Advanced Prostate Cancer

Researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute and Southwest Oncology Group have identified a new method of determining how men with advanced prostate cancer will respond to treatment. They found that worsening anemia during the first three months of hormonal therapy for prostate cancer that has spread predicts shorter survival and earlier relapse.

“These results suggest that by monitoring anemia during the first three months of treatment, we can provide men with a better idea of how well they will fare,” said principal investigator Tomasz Beer, M.D., director of the prostate cancer research program in the OHSU Cancer Institute. Beer presented results of this study at the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association in Atlanta on Tues., May 23.

Researchers also found that race alone was not a strong predictor of survival or disease progression. However, they found that men with the same hemoglobin levels before treatment experienced significantly different overall and progression-free survival depending on whether they were black or white. Hemoglobin levels in the blood are measured to monitor anemia. Lower levels of hemoglobin are considered anemic.

Overall, researchers found that anemic blacks fare worse than anemic whites and that blacks with high baseline hemoglobin fare better than whites with similar hemoglobin levels.

This study was funded by the National Cancer Institute.

The Initial Causes Can Prostate Cancer Cause Anemia

One of the first symptoms of prostate issues is pain or tenderness in the groin or lower back. This can be the result of a noncancerous condition called enlarged prostatic tissue, or it could be an infection of the bladder. In either case, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youre suffering from prostate pain, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake.

Another symptom of a potentially enlarged prostate is difficulty starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. These symptoms are not serious, but theyre still alarming. Most men put up with an enlarged prostate for years before seeking medical attention, but they typically seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Even if you dont have symptoms, its worth getting checked to determine if you have any prostate issues.

If you experience nightly bathroom runs, you may be experiencing an enlarged prostate. You may be having difficulty starting a stream of urine, or you may even be dribbling or leaking during the day. These problems arent life-threatening, but can become a nuisance. You should not ignore these signs and seek treatment as soon as you notice them. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

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