Low Haemoglobin isn't always just diet
Recognizing Early Signs of Blood Cancer
Inputs from Dr Joydeep Chakrabartty, HOD & Sr. Consultant - Haemato Onco & BMT, HCG Hospitals, Kolkata
Families often spot the first clues well in advance a lab report is available to them. A parent who runs out of steam quickly, a partner who looks unusually pale, an elder who gets winded just after a little walk—these everyday changes set off alarm bells that caregivers shouldn’t ignore. In many Indian homes, low haemoglobin (anaemia) is ignored as a dietary shortfall linked to eating habits, menstrual cycles, or simple weakness. Yet sometimes anaemia is the body’s warning signal of a deeper, critical health concern. Recognising this link empowers families to seek medical help sooner, as untreated anaemia can mask underlying conditions—including cancer—until it’s too late.
What Anaemia Really Means for the Body
Anaemia occurs when the body lacks healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen. This leads to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and a general lack of energy. Indian health surveys have consistently shown high anaemia rates across age groups, particularly among women and adolescents. While the most common causes are iron deficiency, chronic infections, and poor dietary intake, anaemia may also develop due to a severe complex health issue.
Cancer can influence haemoglobin levels in several ways. Some cancers affect the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. Others create chronic inflammation in the body, reducing the ability to absorb or use iron level effectively. Certain tumours may even lead to internal bleeding, resulting in persistent, unexplained anaemia.
How Cancer and Anaemia Become Linked
The connection between anaemia and cancer is not always obvious at first. Many symptoms overlap with everyday fatigue or stress-related exhaustion. However, a few signs deserve deeper attention, especially when they persist even after dietary corrections.
1. Cancer affecting blood production
Cancers such as those of the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system directly interfere with the body’s ability to create healthy red blood cells. This can cause a steady decline in haemoglobin despite iron-rich meals or supplements.
2. Chronic inflammation from tumours
Some tumours cause long-term inflammation, which suppresses red blood cell production. The body holds back iron to fight inflammation, leading to anaemia that does not respond well to routine iron therapy.
3. Hidden bleeding inside the body
Cancers of the stomach, colon, uterus, or urinary system may cause slow internal bleeding. Families may not notice obvious blood loss, but the person’s haemoglobin keeps dropping without explanation. Studies from Indian cancer registries have noted that unexplained anaemia often becomes a clue that leads to further evaluation.
4. Lifestyle factors fuelling the problem
Urban lifestyles, long working hours, irregular meals, and rising stress levels are affecting younger Indians as well. Surveys focusing on millennial health have shown increasing reports of fatigue and nutrient deficiencies. When unexplained anaemia appears in this group, it is important to rule out underlying conditions rather than assuming diet alone is the cause.
When to Suspect That Anaemia Is More Than Nutritional
Most anaemia cases improve with a better diet, iron supplements, or treatment of an infection. But caregivers should watch out for situations where haemoglobin continues to fall despite these changes.
Warning signs include:
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Persistent tiredness even after adequate rest
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Shortness of breath during routine activities
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Pale skin, brittle nails, or hair loss
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Loss of appetite or unexplained weight changes
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Abdominal discomfort or altered bowel habits
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Heavy or irregular menstrual cycles
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Recurrent infections or fevers
These symptoms may not indicate cancer on their own, but they suggest the need for further evaluation. Early testing can identify the exact cause and prevent delays in treatment.
How Doctors Approach Anaemia Linked to Cancer
The treatment depends on the cause. Doctors usually begin with a complete blood count and iron studies. If the results show patterns that do not match simple iron deficiency, further tests are recommended.
By Saurav Porwal
