Cochise Oncology

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What Type of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin?

Low hemoglobin, also known as anemia, may be detected in routine blood work or diagnosed because you experience symptoms. While it can have many causes, certain types of cancer can cause your hemoglobin levels to become abnormally low by affecting your body in different ways.

What is Low Hemoglobin or Anemia?

Hemoglobin levels are a measure of how many healthy red blood cells you have circulating in your blood, carrying oxygen to your cells. Having not enough red blood cells is called anemia, and it can cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If your anemia is related to cancer or cancer treatment, your Cochise Oncology team will include a hematologist, a medical doctor who specializes in blood disorders, to help manage your treatment.

What Type of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin?

While many types of cancer can affect your red blood cell count, low hemoglobin is most often related to certain types of cancer. These types of cancer either affect red blood cell production or cause you to lose them through bleeding.

Blood And Bone Marrow Cancer

Certain types of cancer affect what kinds of cells your bone marrow makes and how well they work. Leukemia and other types of blood cancer can directly affect red blood cell production or can force the bone marrow to spend too much time making cancerous cells.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Cancer in your gastrointestinal system can cause bleeding, and you may not notice unless the bleeding becomes significant. At-home colon cancer tests often test for traces of blood too small to be visible. Tumors in the upper or lower gastrointestinal system have different symptoms.

Kidney Cancer

While kidney tumors can bleed and cause anemia, kidney cancer can often cause low hemoglobin by affecting a hormone that promotes red blood cell formation. By disrupting this important hormone, cancer can cause your red blood cell production to drop.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer and other reproductive system cancers can result in enough bleeding to make you anemic. This bleeding may not always be obvious or may be mistaken for heavy periods. Fibroids, which are non-cancerous uterine tumors, can also cause heavy bleeding.

How is Low Hemoglobin from Cancer Treated?

Our Cochise Oncology hematology team has extensive experience treating many types of blood disorders, including low hemoglobin. They may address this concern in several ways, usually working in tandem with your oncologists. While the best option is to treat or remove the cancer, anemia can also be treated with a variety of medications and supplements to help you feel better and more energetic.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Simply fill out the form on this page to request an appointment and one of our knowledgable team members will reach out to you. Or call our Sierra Vista oncology center to schedule directly at (520) 803-6644.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

At Cochise Oncology, we know optimal cancer treatment places the patient first – and our patients experience this every day. Read what our satisfied patients are saying about their experiences at Cochise Oncology.

From the time I walked in the door, I was treated with care and compassion. The gals up front knew my name from the second day on. Everyone I came in contact with was super! I saw a smiling, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable face from the time I walked in, to the time I walked out. When I asked a question - I got an answer. I was scared. I was anxious. They handled me with grace and that isn't easy. I saw the staff for one reason or another for 30 days straight. I never saw grumpy, angry or an unkind face. I'm getting ready to start the rest of my treatment. I go to my appointments knowing I'm in good - no great hands!

The ladies that work the front desk are very nice and go above and beyond. My Father is a Veteran had some issues navigating the VA system. They called Antonio on his cellphone who is their PR person and a Vet himself he walked my Father through the process in terms a old soldier would understand which my Father really appreciated. Everything got approved for his treatments and he has a new friend to meet up with at the VFW!!! Having them go that extra step made all the difference. THANK YOU COCHISE ONCOLOGY!!!

Fantastic staff! Receptionists are very professional. They are knowledgeable as to my copay amount and always provide me with a receipt. Very friendly! Dr. Klarnett is extremely friendly, very compassionate and providing me with solutions to my problem. Casey the insurance verification clerk is outstanding in regards to prior authorization. Explains in detail what is involved in your treatment plan, co-pays, and penalty if you do not show up for treatment. It's good to know your out of pocket charge if you don't follow her instructions. Meagan is super nurse! Always so friendly. Always a smile on her face while she is multitasking in between patients. Very compassionate, personal, and a joy to talk to. Overall I like coming here for my labs and care.

Take the Next Step

Do you have questions about cancer and low hemoglobin? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 335-9460 or fill out the consultation form on this page.