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Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia following Gynecologic (GYN) Cancer

From the GYN Cancer Articles List

Is anemia a common side effect of chemotherapy? What do I do if I become anemic?

Yes, anemia is a very common side effect of chemotherapy. Anemia, also referred to as iron-poor blood, refers to a low red blood cell count. It can cause excess fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or chest pain. Chemotherapy can cause anemia by attacking and destroying red blood cells and the cells that produce them. Chemo does not know the difference between cancer cells and other rapidly-dividing cells, and so it destroys many good cells along with the bad. Chemotherapy can also slow down red blood cell production by suppressing the appetite and making it difficult to eat well during treatment; this causes a person undergoing chemo to eat less in general and fewer foods high in iron in particular. The lack of sufficient iron, which is essential for the body to produce red blood cells, makes it difficult or impossible to produce enough cells to replace those that were destroyed.

Treatments for chemotherapy-induced anemia vary depending on the severity of the anemia and any underlying causes that may also be contributing to the anemia. For example, heavy menstrual bleeding prior to surgery to remove cancer could have caused anemia even before chemotherapy, and chemo just makes it worse. The easiest treatment for anemia is taking oral iron supplements and waiting for the body to recover enough from chemo to replace the lost red blood cells. If the anemia is more severe, your oncologist or hematologist may give you an intravenous iron infusion. An IV iron infusion takes several hours on a slow drip, but it brings iron levels immediately back up to normal. Finally, there are medications that can help to stimulate red blood cell production, but they carry risks of their own. If your oncologist recommends one of these medications, discuss risks and side effects with him or her so that you know what to expect.

While your body is catching up on producing lost red blood cells, you will continue to suffer from the symptoms of anemia. To better deal with these symptoms, try to get at least eight hours of sleep per night, stay well hydrated, stand up slowly to avoid dizziness, and avoid caffeine, which is known to exacerbate the symptoms of anemia.


This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.



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Lauren Streicher, M.D. Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern, S.C 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 117 Chicago IL 60611 (312)654-1166	Ted Lee, M.D. Magee Womens Hospital 300 Halket Street Pittsburgh PA 15213 412 641 6412	Mayra J. Thompson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN Dallas TX 75290 214-645-3888
Joseph S. Valenti, M.D. 2805 S. Mayhill Road Denton TX 76208 940 591-6700	Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001	Caren C Reaves, M.D. Caring for Women 2805 S. Mayhill Rd Denton TX 76208 940-591-6700
Aileen Caceres, M.D. Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital 410 Celebration Place, Suite 302 Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573	James Kondrup, M.D. 161 Riverside Drive Suite 109 Binghamton NY 13905 607-770-7074	Debra Richardson, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673