Anemia is a lack of red blood cells and/or the iron-rich molecule (hemoglobin) in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body and gives blood its red color. There are more than 100 different types of anemia, including sickle cell anemia. Many forms of anemia can be successfully treated, depending on the underlying cause. If left untreated, certain forms of anemia may be debilitating or even life-threatening. In many cases, anemia is one of the the signs of another illness and is not the primary problem.

Anemia means the body's tissue is not getting sufficient oxygen. As a result, an anemic person may experience fatigue, headaches, weakness, rapid pulse and shortness of breath. Occasionally, the individual may have jaundice causing a yellowing of the skin or the whites of their eyes.The most common initial method for diagnosing anemia is a blood test known as a complete blood count (CBC).

Severe anemia has been associated with various forms of cancer, including cancers of the   digestive system and bone marrow. The condition can occur due to bleeding or because the cancer interferes with the body’s ability to make red blood cells.  Some leukemias, lymphomas and metastatic cancers may cause anemia when cancer cells crowd out healthy blood cells.

Anemia is more often a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which can destroy red blood cells as well as cancer cells. Certain medications can be prescribed to help increase the body’s production of red blood cells. In some cases, blood transfusions or a bone marrow transplant may be necessary.

Preventing anemia that is caused by an iron or vitamin deficiency may be as simple as a change of diet or adding supplements. But this may not be the case for  individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Their anemia may last as long as their treatments continue. Some degree of anemia may be present for many weeks or even months after cancer treatment has been completed

Other forms of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, are genetic. These types of anemia cannot be prevented and remain with a person for life. Medications or iron supplements do not improve the quality or quantity of the red blood cells in individuals with genetic anemias.