Anemia is described as a shortage of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to bodily tissues, or a deficiency of hemoglobin. Colon cancer can cause anemia, but it can also be caused by various other illnesses, including other forms of cancer. Anemia can also be caused by cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.

So, is anemia an early sign of colon cancer? Let's find out.

Types of Anemia and Causes

There are three basic forms of anemia, each distinguished by its cause. They are roughly defined as follows:

• Anemia as a result of blood loss (trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding).
• Anemia induced by red blood cell disintegration (sickle cell anemia).
• Anemia induced by a reduction in red blood cell synthesis (most often attributed to iron deficiency).

The latter form is generally referred to as iron deficiency anemia. So, let’s see how does colon cancer cause iron-deficiency anemia?

How Does Colon Cancer Cause Anemia?

While anemia is intimately associated with cancer, the process by which it develops varies depending on the kind of cancer. According to research, more than 30% of cancer patients are anemic at the time of diagnosis, with almost half suffering from iron deficiency anemia. Some cancers, such as those that attack the bone marrow, have a direct influence on the body's ability to create red blood cells, resulting in severe anemia.

However, it’s different in the case of colon cancer. Several studies have examined the prognostic or predictive usefulness of anemia in distinct colon cancer subgroups and found a link between anemia and adverse outcomes.

When the colon is affected, bleeding is thought to be the major cause of anemia. This is due to the tumor-producing substances that encourage the development of new blood vessels. The vessel bursts as the tumor expand, resulting in the loss of red blood cells. In turn, the bleeding might lead to an iron deficiency.

Even though the blood has enough iron, the surrounding inflammation can cause iron molecules to become "stuck" in immune cells. As the inflammation continues, the availability of iron decreases, leading to the development of iron deficiency anemia.

How to Detect Colon Cancer Early?

If a regular blood test indicates that you are anemic, don't be afraid to bring up the issue of cancer. This is especially true if you have cancer symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms of colon cancer include:

• Unintentional weight loss (when not dieting or trying to lose weight).
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting or nausea
• Changes in your bowel habits.
• Bright crimson stools or dark red blood in your stools
• Stools that are thinner than usual ("pencil stools")
• You get the impression that you are unable to completely empty your bowels.
• Discomfort in the abdomen, such as bloating, recurrent gas pain, or cramps.

If any of these symptoms linger for more than two weeks, contact your healthcare physician and discuss testing options.

If you need more information on colon cancer and treatment options, contact us today. At Chesapeake Oncology-Hematology Associates, our team of oncologists is committed to providing the best cancer treatment to you and your loved ones. With our iron-infusion treatment, we can treat your anemia and other colon cancer-related symptoms.

Also Read: Stomach Cancer: Primary Symptoms and Treatment Options