October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! It is critical in raising awareness for the disease and the importance of prevention and early detection. If breast cancer is detected early, there will be more treatment options available and a higher chance of survival.
For this month’s blog, we will be covering one of the side effects of metastatic breast cancer – anemia. We will discuss how you can manage and get treated for both anemia and breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer is when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, brain, or bones. Metastasis breast cancer is also known as stage IV cancer since it usually happens in the advanced stages. The first signs of metastatic breast cancer include pain around the breast, nipple discharge, and a lump thickening around the breast and underarm.
Metastatic breast cancer symptoms may also include bone pain, seizures, double vision, constipation, and loss of balance, among others. These signs indicate that the cancer is spreading to other body parts.
Anemia is a condition where the blood contains less than a normal amount of hemoglobin. The hemoglobin cells have iron, and hence iron deficiency is one of the leading causes of anemia. Research shows that iron has a significant role to play in the incidence of breast cancer in both pre and post-menopausal women.
Anemia in metastatic breast cancer can also be caused by the treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy can sometimes affect the blood count of the patient, especially when the radiation is given around the pelvic or the sternum region, thereby causing anemia.
Another reason for anemia in patients with metastatic breast cancer is when cancer spreads to the bone marrow. Red blood cells (RBC) are produced in the bone marrow, and when the bone marrow is impacted by metastatic cancer, the RBC production is hampered, resulting in anemia.
According to research, over 62% of patients with metastatic breast cancer develop anemia. Your provider may prescribe medications to treat anemia or recommend iron infusions. However, if the hemoglobin levels fall to a very low count, the best treatment is blood transfusion. Healthcare professionals will keep a check on your total blood count to monitor your risk of developing anemia.
If you have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and anemia, contact us at the Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates (COHA). Our experienced oncologists can provide you with guidance on how to manage your metastatic breast cancer and anemia. We pride ourselves in providing world-class care to all our patients.
Also Read: Head and Neck Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
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