Anemia with Cancer

There are several different types of anemia that one may experience, however, the most common type of anemia in cancer patients is termed Anemia of Chronic Disease and it is an Iron Deficiency Anemia. Anemia is common with cancer for several reasons, including the facts that cancer cells can gobble-up iron, chronic ill-health can decrease red blood cell production, and cancer patients may be more prone to malabsorption and a decreased calorie consumption.

Cancer related anemia typically shows the following blood values:

Summary – If there is a decrease in MCH, MCV, MCHC, HCT and/or HGB, and a decrease in serum Iron, Ferritin, and % Transferrin Saturation along with and elevated RDW, then Iron Deficiency Anemia is probable. Should this pattern be accompanied with a diagnosis of Cancer or other serious disorder, then it may be defined as Anemia of Chronic Disease.

Decreased Hemoglobin (HGB)

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying molecule inside the red blood cells (RBCs), and remember, the purpose of the RBC is to bring oxygen to the tissues. Male a female hemoglobin levels differ as to normal range where female standard range is 11.70 – 15.50 and optimal/functional range is 13.50 – 14.50. Male standard range is 13.20 – 17.10 and optimal/functional range is 14.00 – 15.00. For more information on the difference of the “standard range” versus “optimal/functional range”, see the video below. Low hemoglobin will also be found in Iron Deficiency Anemia, B6 Deficiency Anemia, B12/Folate Deficiency Anemia, Copper Deficiency Anemia, Vitamin C deficiency, severe digestive inflammation, and internal bleeding.

Decreased Hematocrit (HCT)

The hematocrit measures the percentage of the volume of RBCs in a known volume of centrifuged blood. Female standard range is 35.00 – 40.00 and optimal/functional range is 37.00 – 44.00. Male standard range is 38.50 – 50.00 and optimal/functional range is 40.00 – 48.00. Low HCT will also be found in Iron Deficiency Anemia, B6 Deficiency Anemia, B12/Folate Deficiency Anemia, Copper Deficiency Anemia, Vitamin C deficiency, severe digestive inflammation, Thymus hypofunction, and internal bleeding.

Decreased Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

The MCH is a calculated value and is an expression of the average weight of hemoglobin per red blood cell. It is used to help determine the type of anemia. Male and female standard range is 27.00 – 33.00 and optimal/functional range is 28.00 – 31.90. MCH may also be decreased in B6 Anemia, internal bleeding and severe need for vitamin C.

Decreased Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

The MCV is a measurement of the volume, in cubic microns, of an average single red blood cell. MCV indicates whether the size of a RBC appears normal (normocytic), small (microcytic), or large (macrocytic). A DECREASED MCV is seen in Iron Deficiency Anemia and B6 Anemia. An INCREASE MCV is associated with B12 Anemia and Folate Anemia as well as vitamin C deficiency. If a person has BOTH Iron Deficiency Anemia AND B12 Anemia, MCV may be normal. Male and female standard range is 80.00 – 100.00 and optimal/functional range is 82.00 – 89.90.

Decreased Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

The MCHC measures the average concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. decreased levels are also seen in deficiencies of Vitamin C, B6, as well as heavy metal toxicity. Male and female standard range is 32.00 – 36.00 and optimal/functional range is 34.00 – 36.00.

Decreased Serum Iron

Serum iron reflects the iron bound to proteins in the blood (such as transferrin). Decreased levels are also seen in hypochlorhydria (decreased HCL in the stomach), as well as internal bleeding. Increased serum iron is seen in liver dysfunction as well as iron overload diseases such as Hemochromatosis. Male and female standard range is 40.00 – 190.00 and optimal/functional range is 85.00 – 130.00.

Decreased Ferritin

Ferritin is the main storage form of iron in the body and LOW levels may be said to be the greatest indicator to help differentially diagnose Iron Deficiency Anemia apart from other anemias. Increased levels are associated with inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and overall oxidative stress. Male and female standard range is 16.00 – 232.00 and optimal/functional range is 45.00 – 79.00.

INCREASED Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

The RDW indicates the degree of abnormal variation of the size of red blood cells. If we think of them as needing to increase size in an attempt to carry more oxygen, it may help to understand. Male and female standard range is 11.00 – 15.00 and optimal/functional range is 11.00 – 12.60.

To help understand the differences in values:

Discussion on values and other possible testing: