Anemia is a low level (i.e., low count) of red blood cells (RBCs). Certain types of chemotherapy can cause the side effect of anemia.
Symptoms of anemia as a side effect of chemotherapy include:
• Fatigue (i.e., feeling a lack of energy, being tired, experiencing sleepiness, and experiencing weakness)
• Feeling cold
• Shortness of breath due to insufficient amounts of oxygen being carried by the abnormally low level of RBCs in the blood to the lungs
• Causing the heart to work harder to provide oxygen to the lungs and other parts of the body. Related symptoms may include rapid heartbeat and chest pain.
• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling lightheaded, inhibiting clarity of thinking, and interfering with activities requiring concentration and clarity of thinking
• Paleness of skin
• Reducing sex drive
• Making certain types of cancer treatment less effective
Diagnosis of anemia includes taking a small sample of blood and performing a complete blood count (CBC), a laboratory test in which the numbers of different types of cells in the blood are measured.
For information on treatment of anemia, see our Q&A, "Is there anything that can be done to treat the anemia I am experiencing due to chemotherapy?"
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