Welcome to
Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreChildhood cancer patients may experience a decrease in red blood cells, known as anemia. Certain treatments or a cancer that affects the bone marrow can cause this condition.
Red blood cells are cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. People with anemia may feel tired and weak.
Causes of anemia include:
Signs and symptoms of anemia include:
A complete blood count test is the most common way of diagnosing anemia. The test measures red blood cell counts in 2 ways – hemoglobin and hematocrit. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen. Hematocrit is the percentage of the blood made up of red blood cells.
Treatment may include:
Patients can take steps to deal with anemia:
—
Reviewed: August 2018