Low hemoglobin levels may make you feel overwhelmed, especially when you know low hemoglobin can be associated with cancer. However, it is important to know that the two are not always interconnected. Understanding the relation between low hemoglobin levels and cancer can help guide next steps.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout the body. If the protein level drops, the body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to work well. Anemia can be the reason for this drop, which is a serious blood disorder that can develop due to underlying medical conditions, iron or vitamin deficiencies, liver or kidney failure, or cancer. Opting for pathology Glenroy would be the right way to determine how low the hemoglobin level is. A blood test called a complete blood count or CBC can identify low hemoglobin levels. Through the reports, you will know whether hemoglobin levels are below the normal range.
Take a look at the table below showcasing different hemoglobin level classifications:
| Category | Men (g/dL) | Women (g/dL) | Description |
| Normal | 13.2-16.6 | 11.6-15.1 | It is a healthy range. |
| Mildly Low | 11-13.7 | 10-12 | It may indicate mild anemia. |
| Moderately Low | 8-10.9 | 8-9.9 | It may indicate more pronounced anemia. |
| Severely Low | 6-7.9 | 6-7.9 | It is considered risky and needs medical attention. This low level of hemoglobin can affect organ and heart function. |
| Dangerously Low | <7.0 | <7.0 | If your hemoglobin level falls in this range, you may need medical emergency. |
There are different types of cancers that can cause low hemoglobin:
Blood cancers are among the most common reasons for cancer-related anemia. These cancers develop in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. They include lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. In this situation, abnormal cells grow and reduce the body’s ability to produce red blood cells. Generally, people notice anemia as the first symptom. Rare bone marrow disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, can also result in low hemoglobin levels because they prevent blood cells from developing properly.
When breast cancer spreads to the bone marrow, it can cause anemia, affecting the production of blood cells. Sometimes, although it’s rare, breast cancer is only found after an anemia diagnosis results in further testing.
An early sign of colon cancer is iron-deficiency anemia. Tumors in the colon may bleed gradually over time, resulting in blood loss that is not always visible.
Many people with cervical cancer often have anemia at the time of diagnosis. This is because of tumors that bleed, but anemia may also be caused by poor nutrition or cancer spreading to the bone marrow.
A hormone which is produced by the kidneys tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells. This process is disrupted by cancer in the kidneys, resulting in reduced red blood cell production and anemia. Some medications used to treat kidney cancer can also lead to low hemoglobin levels.
Lung cancer is usually linked to anemia, especially when cancer-related inflammation interferes with the production of red blood cells or when cancer spreads to the bone marrow.
Anemia is a common condition in advanced prostate cancer, which could be the first sign. Treatments such as hormone therapy can also reduce hemoglobin levels.
A low blood count doesn’t mean cancer. While cancers that affect the bone marrow or bleeding tumors can cause low blood cell counts, far more common causes include infections, nutritional deficiencies, medication side effects, or chronic diseases.
Most causes of low hemoglobin in cancer might be difficult to prevent. However, you can reduce the risk of cancer by:
Low hemoglobin can be commonly found in many cancers. However, low hemoglobin doesn’t always mean cancer, as it can be due to various reasons. If you notice symptoms of low hemoglobin, you can reach out to Glenroy Medical Centre doctors.
