Anemia
What Is Anemia and Why Does It Happen?
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. When you don’t have enough of them, your body—and especially your heart—has to work harder. This is called anemia, and it can make you feel weak, tired, dizzy, or short of breath.
Anemia is one of the most common side effects of breast cancer treatment—but there are ways to manage it. Here’s what to know and how to take care of your body if anemia shows up during your treatment.
Common causes of anemia in people with breast cancer:
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Blood loss
- Kidney damage
- Poor nutrition
- Iron deficiency
- Genetic conditions (like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia)
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Feeling extremely tired
- Pale skin or gums
- Cold hands or feet
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches or trouble concentrating
- Feeling faint
How to Manage Anemia
Here are simple, body-supportive strategies to help reduce symptoms and conserve energy:
Rest and Recovery
- Aim for 8+ hours of sleep at night
- Add short naps (under an hour) if needed
- Conserve your energy for the things that matter most
- Sit up for a minute before standing to avoid dizziness
For more on managing tiredness, visit the fatigue page.
Lighten Your Load
- Prioritize key activities—skip the rest
- Accept help with errands, cooking, or childcare
Eat and Drink Wisely
- Eat enough calories and include high-protein meals to fuel your body
- Drink at least six 8 oz glasses of water each day
- If possible, talk to a dietitian for customized support
Visit the nutrition page for more insight on eating balanced meals.
Nutrition Tips for Anemia
Depending on your lab results, your care team may recommend increasing iron and vitamin C through food or supplements. Here’s how to support your body through what you eat:
Consume More Iron
Reduce Inflammation
Iron Absorption Hacks
Heads up: Constipation
How Your Care Team Helps
During treatment, your medical team will track your red blood cell levels to make sure they stay in a healthy range. If they dip too low, you might need a transfusion, medication to help your body make more red blood cells, iron supplements, or additional bloodwork to check vitamin levels. Pay attention to how you’re feeling—and speak up if you’re more tired than usual, feel faint or dizzy, notice shortness of breath, or feel like your heart is beating too fast. If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself and reach out.
