Cancer patients are prone to anemia. We will teach you how to get out of poverty step by step

Author: Zhou Shuying, Fudan University Cancer Hospital

Jinyi Fudan University Cancer Hospital

Jiang Yan Fudan University Cancer Hospital

Reviewer: Wang Sheng, Chief Physician, Fudan University Cancer Hospital

Dr. Zhou's clinic in the oncology department is really busy today. Grandpa Jin, Master Jiang and Aunt Zhang come together for treatment. They are all cancer patients and met through the cancer patient group. Recently, the patient group is discussing a common problem for cancer patients - anemia! Patients with anemia in the patient group have expressed their feelings about anemia: weakness, dizziness... Not only has it affected their lives, it has even seriously affected the progress of treatment. Grandpa Jin and his friends want to ask Dr. Zhou how to scientifically prevent anemia so that cancer patients can "get out of poverty"!

Aunt Zhang: Doctor Zhou, I used to be very happy when people praised my fair skin, but now I am afraid that people will say I have a pale complexion. It makes me so nervous every day!

Doctor Zhou patted Aunt Zhang's hand and said: Don't be nervous, everyone. Anemia in cancer patients is a common symptom of the disease. Let me first tell you what anemia is.

1. What exactly is anemia?

In layman's terms, anemia refers to a condition in which the number of red blood cells in the blood or the concentration of hemoglobin they contain is lower than normal, resulting in a lack of oxygen in body tissues. Hemoglobin is a commonly used indicator for evaluating anemia. When the hemoglobin level of an adult male is lower than 120 g/L and that of an adult female is lower than 110 g/L, it is generally considered anemia.

The diagnostic and grading standards for cancer-related anemia are mainly based on the National Cancer Institute (NCI) version and the World Health Organization (WHO) version. The Chinese Society of Hematology has also published corresponding diagnostic standards for anemia.

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Mr. Jin: Will all of us cancer patients suffer from anemia?

Doctor Zhou: I can’t say for sure, but anemia is particularly common in cancer patients. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including the effects of the tumor itself, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, malnutrition, and damage to the blood system.

2. What are the main causes of anemia in cancer patients?

1. The tumor itself suppresses the bone marrow, resulting in reduced red blood cell production.

2. The toxic effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other treatments on the bone marrow.

3. Cancer patients have poor appetite, insufficient nutrient intake, poor absorption, etc.

4. Cancer patients may have chronic blood loss, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, etc.

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Master Jiang: This sounds like there is nowhere to hide! Doctor Zhou, you must help us think of a solution!

Doctor Zhou: Although anemia is a common symptom in cancer patients, it is not without a solution. Next, I will tell you how to prevent cancer anemia. Please remember this!

3. How to prevent anemia in cancer patients in daily life?

1. Reasonable diet: Ensure that patients take in balanced nutrition, especially foods rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, such as lean meat, animal liver, green leafy vegetables, etc. At the same time, avoid drinking tea, coffee and other foods that affect iron absorption.

2. Regular work and rest: Maintaining a regular work and rest schedule and ensuring adequate sleep will help the body's recovery and the normal functioning of hematopoietic function.

3. Moderate exercise: Encourage patients to do moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, yoga, etc., to enhance physical fitness and promote blood circulation. Avoid sitting still for a long time and get up and move around when necessary.

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4. Prevent infection: maintain personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, change underwear frequently, pay attention to oral hygiene, and avoid infection, because infection may aggravate anemia symptoms.

5. Regularly monitor blood routine: Cancer patients should regularly monitor blood routine in order to detect anemia in time and take appropriate treatment measures.

6. Control bleeding: Some tumors may cause bleeding and require prompt treatment to reduce the loss of hemoglobin.

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7. Monitor and treat underlying diseases: Some infections or chronic diseases may lead to the development of anemia. Effective control of these underlying factors is critical to the prevention and treatment of anemia.

8. Psychological adjustment and support: Encourage patients to maintain an optimistic attitude and face the disease positively. Share feelings with family and friends to gain emotional support. If necessary, seek help from professional psychological counselors.

9. Follow the doctor's advice: Strictly follow the doctor's treatment plan and advice, do not buy medicine or use folk remedies on your own. Consult your doctor regularly to understand the progress of the disease and treatment plan.

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In summary, the prevention of anemia in cancer patients requires comprehensive intervention in diet, daily routine, exercise, regular monitoring, psychological adjustment, and following doctor's advice. Scientific methods and measures can effectively reduce the incidence of anemia in cancer patients and improve their quality of life. At the same time, patients and their families should maintain close communication with doctors to jointly develop personalized prevention and treatment plans.

After listening to Dr. Zhou’s scientific guidance, Aunt Zhang, Uncle Jin and Master Jiang all smiled with relief.