Anemia and leukemia: Connection explained

Anemia and leukemia are both conditions that affect a person’s blood. Although there is no evidence that anemia can cause leukemia, people with leukemia are more likely to develop anemia.

This could be because leukemia, a form of blood cancer, causes anemia, which involves a reduction in red blood cells. Moreover, some leukemia treatments also cause anemia.

This article focuses on two conditions: leukemia and anemia, which both affect the blood. After exploring the link between leukemia and anemia, this article will compare their types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

A person develops cancer when some of their cells begin to grow unchecked. As a 2021 article explains, leukemia is a type of cancer that can affect cells in the blood and bone marrow.

While anemia is not a form of cancer, it can also affect the blood. A 2021 article describes anemia as a condition in which someone’s blood contains fewer red blood cells than it should.

There are different types of leukemia, and a common symptom is the rapid production of atypical white blood cells. These cells are not capable of fighting infection and impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce healthy cells, such as red blood cells. This can result in anemia.

Conversely, no current evidence suggests anemia can lead to leukemia. However, anemia and leukemia share links in other ways.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that certain leukemia treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, can lead to anemia in some people.

For example, evidence notes that low red blood cell counts are a common side effect of many leukemia treatments, particularly for individuals who require high-dose treatment.

While anemia and leukemia are very different conditions, they share a core similarity: they both affect the blood. But leukemia is a cancer, which involves unchecked cell growth.

In contrast, anemia involves a lack of red blood cells. That said, leukemia does remain a risk factor for anemia.

The ACS explains that leukemia can present in many forms, including the below.

Acute vs. chronic leukemia

A person has acute leukemia when it affects younger, less mature cells. Chronic leukemia, by contrast, affects older cells. The condition heavily affects these older cells, despite being more mature. Additionally, acute leukemias also progress quickly, while chronic leukemias tend to develop slowly.

Myeloid vs. lymphocytic leukemia

This refers to the effect on the different types of blood cells. A person has lymphocytic leukemia when their cancer affects white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Myeloid leukemia instead affects myeloid cells, such as white blood cells other than lymphocytes, red blood cells, and platelets.

As a 2021 review explains, there are two main forms of anemia: hyperproliferative and hypoproliferative.

Hyperproliferative anemia

A person has this form of anemia when their red blood cells are lost or destroyed too quickly.

Hypoproliferative anemia

An individual has this form of anemia when their bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells.

Because leukemia begins in the bone marrow, it can lead to hypoproliferative leukemia.

The exact causes of leukemia remain unknown and may vary with leukemia subtypes. However, scientists do know that certain things can make leukemia more likely. These risk factors for the condition include:

• radiation exposure
• exposure to chemotherapy from a previous cancer treatment
• exposure to benzene
• some viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus
• some genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome

Anemia also has many causes, which can include leukemia and some leukemia treatments. However, evidence notes that the most common cause in the general population is iron deficiency, which accounts for around 50% of all cases.

However, scientists have also identified many other causes of anemia, which can include:

• certain infectious diseases
• issues with the immune system
• sickle cell disease
• blood loss
• nutritional deficiencies
• absorption issues

Although anemia can be asymptomatic, this condition can significantly affect a person’s life. Evidence states that anemia symptoms can vary in severity, depending on a person’s red blood cell count. These symptoms can include:

• tiredness or lethargy
• weakness
• restlessness
• a reduced ability to exercise
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• pale skin
• pica, where people wish to eat nonedible items
• a fast or irregular heartbeat
• cold hands or feet

Leukemia can cause a person to experience symptoms of anemia. Additionally, while symptoms can vary by type, a 2021 article lists the following as symptoms of leukemia:

• bleeding
• bruising
• fevers
• skeletal problems
• lymphadenopathy
• enlarged liver or spleen
• frequent infections
• fatigue
• night sweats

Diagnosing leukemia can differ depending on the type and symptoms a person is experiencing. Typically, a doctor can diagnose the condition after analyzing an individual’s blood. Therefore, they may order several tests to help with diagnosis, which may include:

• a complete blood count
• peripheral blood smear
• flow cytometry
• a bone marrow biopsy
• a liver function test
• a complete metabolic panel

Similarly, diagnosing anemia can also differ depending on the type and the underlying cause. It usually involves taking a blood sample and measuring for a protein in the blood called hemoglobin.

Some guidelines suggest that the normal hemoglobin range for females is 12–16 grams per deciliter of blood (g/dl) and 14 to 17.4 g/dL for males. However, many factors can affect hemoglobin levels. Usually, values lower than the above may indicate anemia.

Additionally, other tests may include:

• complete blood count
• ultrasounds
• X-rays
• CT scans
• endoscopy
• colonoscopy
• laparotomy

A 2021 article states that treatment for leukemia can vary from individual to individual, depending on the leukemia type and any other health conditions a person has. That said, chemotherapy remains a highly common treatment option. Doctors may also recommend:

• stem cell transplants
• monoclonal antibodies
• radiation therapy

Anemia treatments feature a similar variability of approaches. Scientists understand that a person’s anemia needs treatment that focuses on its underlying cause. For instance, doctors may prescribe iron supplements if someone has the condition because they do not get enough dietary iron.

The ACS notes that iron supplements may also be helpful if cancer is causing the anemia. Other anemia treatments for people with cancer include red blood cell transfusions and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents — drugs that promote red blood cell growth.

Anemia and leukemia are both conditions that affect the blood. Moreover, people with the latter have an increased risk of developing anemia. However, anemia cannot cause leukemia, and these conditions remain different in several important respects.

Leukemia and Anemia: What’s the Link?

Is there a connection?

If you have leukemia and experience symptoms such as extreme fatigue, dizziness, or paleness, you may also have anemia. Anemia is a condition in which you have unusually low levels of red blood cells. Here’s more about the link between leukemia and anemia.

Bone marrow is a spongy material found in the middle of some of your bones. It contains stem cells, which develop into blood cells. Leukemia occurs when cancerous blood cells form in your blood marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells.

The type of blood cells that are involved determines the type of leukemia. Some types of leukemia are acute and progress quickly. Others are chronic and grow slowly.

The most common type of anemia people experience is iron-deficiency anemia. Low iron levels in the body can cause this. Aplastic anemia is a severe form of anemia that can occur due to exposure to:

• a wide variety of drugs and chemicals
• ionizing radiation
• some viruses
• an autoimmune disorder

It may also be linked to leukemia and cancer treatments.

Anemia can cause one or more of these symptoms:

• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• a fast or irregular heart rate
• pale skin
• frequent infections
• easy bruising
• nosebleeds
• bleeding gums
• headaches
• cuts that bleed excessively

Your body may not have enough red blood cells for a number of reasons. Your body may not make enough to begin with or even destroy the red blood cells that you do have. You can also lose red blood cells more quickly when you’re bleeding, whether it’s due to injury or menstruation.

If you have leukemia, both the disease itself and the treatments for it may cause you to develop anemia.

Cancer treatments

Chemotherapy, radiation, and some drugs doctors use to treat leukemia may cause aplastic anemia. This is because some cancer therapies prevent bone marrow from making new, healthy blood cells. White blood cell counts drop first, then platelet counts, and finally, red blood cell counts. Anemia due to cancer treatments may be reversible after treatment ends or it may last for several weeks.

Leukemia

Leukemia itself can also cause anemia. As leukemia blood cells multiply rapidly, little room is left for normal red blood cells to develop. If your red blood cell counts drop too low, anemia can occur.

Cancer treatments may cause a decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting. This often makes it difficult to eat a nutritious, iron-rich diet. This may lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

If your doctor thinks you have anemia, they’ll order blood tests to check your blood cell levels and platelet levels. They may also order a bone marrow biopsy. During this procedure, a small sample of bone marrow is removed from a large bone, such as your hipbone. The sample is examined to confirm an anemia diagnosis.

Learn more: 7 important symptoms of leukemia in children »

Anemia treatments depend on the severity of your symptoms and the cause of your anemia.

If chemotherapy is causing your anemia, your doctor may prescribe injectable drugs, such as Epogen or Aranesp. These drugs tell your bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. They also have the potential to cause serious side effects, such as blood clots or increased risk of death. As a result, you should use the lowest dose possible for only as long as it takes to regulate your red blood cell levels.

Your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements to treat iron-deficiency anemia.

If anemia occurs due to blood loss, your doctor will need to determine the cause and treat it. Because blood loss often occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy and an endoscopy to view your stomach and intestines.

A blood transfusion is sometimes necessary to treat acute anemia. A transfusion alone may not be enough to control anemia in the long term.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, physician-scientists have discovered a chemotherapy drug called cyclophosphamide that helps treat aplastic anemia without harming blood and bone marrow-forming stem cells. Other treatments for aplastic anemia include blood transfusions, drug therapies, and bone marrow transplants.

If you think you have anemia, you should consult your doctor. They’ll review your symptoms and order the necessary tests to make a diagnosis. Don’t attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat anemia, especially if you have leukemia or any other medical condition. With treatment, anemia is manageable or curable. It may cause serious symptoms if you don’t get treatment for it.

If you have anemia, you can expect to have symptoms such as fatigue and weakness until your blood cell counts improve. The symptoms often improve rapidly once treatment starts. In the meantime, doing the following can help you cope:

• Listen to your body’s signals, and rest when you’re tired or not feeling well.
• Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
• Ask for help with meals and household chores.
• Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, including iron-rich eggs, red meat, and liver.
• Avoid activities that can increase your bleeding risk.

If you don’t experience relief with treatment or you have shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, or faintness, you should seek immediate medical attention.

If you have leukemia and develop anemia, your doctor will work with you to relieve your symptoms. Many treatment options can reduce anemia side effects during cancer treatment. The earlier you seek treatment, the less likely you are to develop serious complications.

Keep reading: The best leukemia blogs of the year »

Leukemia – Docrates

Leukemia is the most common cancer in children. It is not a hereditary disease, but sometimes it can be diagnosed in representatives of several generations of the same family. In some hereditary or congenital diseases, the mechanism for the restoration of genetic material (DNA) is impaired, and the risk of acute leukemia is significantly increased.

According to the nature of the course of the disease, leukemia is divided into two main forms: acute and chronic.
Acute leukemia (acute leukemia) is divided into acute myeloid leukemia (acute myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, acute myeloblastosis) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These forms, in turn, also have separate subtypes.

Speaking of chronic leukemia, the two most common forms should be mentioned: chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (the most common type of leukemia, about 150 diagnosed cases per year) and chronic myeloid leukemia. Rarer chronic forms of leukemia include T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, hair cell leukemia, and large granular leukemia.

Today, there are advanced methods of treatment for leukemia and found effective ways to treat various forms of this disease. Chronic myeloid leukemia was the first type of blood cancer to be treated with a complex of targeted treatments, thanks to which, in most cases, the course of leukemia can be controlled and remission achieved. The prognosis for recovery of patients with this type of leukemia has improved significantly. In the treatment of other types of leukemia with chemotherapy and antibodies combined with it, positive results are achieved, and transplantation of stem cells taken from healthy people (allogeneic stem cell transplantation, bone marrow transplantation) is increasingly giving positive results.

Risk factors for leukemia

The cause of leukemia is usually not known. It is known, however, that if a patient has previously been diagnosed with another type of cancer, this can in some cases provoke leukemia (secondary leukemia). Another cause of leukemia can be various genetic disorders. In chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic myelogenous leukemia) in the earliest precursor of blood cells, the stem cell, due to the replacement of 9and 22 chromosomes, a mutant (Philadelphia) chromosome is formed, which causes blood cancer. The causes of other types of leukemia have not been sufficiently studied to date. Certain factors, such as ionizing radiation, exposure to solvents (especially benzene) and other chemicals, certain types of chemotherapy, certain viruses, and rare hereditary and congenital diseases, increase the risk of leukemia.

Symptoms of leukemia

The symptoms of leukemia are very different and usually appear in the acute form of leukemia. Chronic leukemia can be asymptomatic for a long time, even for many years, and be diagnosed only on the basis of a routine blood test (this is especially true for chronic lymphoblastic leukemia). In acute leukemia, symptoms most often occur due to a lack of blood cells (due to anemia, infections, and bleeding), an increase in the viscosity of leukemia cells, or due to organ dysfunction caused by leukemia cells.

Chronic forms of leukemia may be accompanied by similar, although more diffuse, long-term symptoms. In addition, there may be an increase in body temperature in the absence of infection, weight loss, and heavy sweating at night. In some cases, symptoms may be caused by enlarged lymph nodes or the spleen.

Most often, with the above symptoms, anemia (lack of red blood cells) is diagnosed, in which the hemoglobin level drops below normal, low white blood cells (white blood cells) in acute forms of leukemia and high white blood cells in chronic forms, as well as a decrease in platelets in the blood. Anemia is manifested by fatigue, pallor, palpitations, tinnitus, and general malaise. A low platelet count causes a tendency to bleed, which manifests itself, for example, in the form of spontaneous bruising, epistaxis, bleeding gums, and prolonged bleeding of wounds. Decreased levels of white blood cells lead to increased susceptibility to infections. Although white blood cells increase in the blood in chronic forms of leukemia, the level of healthy white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood decreases, which can lead to increased susceptibility to infections.

Diagnosis of leukemia

In acute leukemia, symptoms appear quickly enough that the patient needs to see a doctor. The disease is diagnosed using laboratory tests based on changes in the blood picture. Chronic leukemia is often found incidentally on a routine blood test. Based on the blood test, it is possible to trace the increase in the level of leukocytes in the long-term dynamics. In Finland, to confirm the diagnosis of leukemia and determine the type of leukemia, special studies are carried out in the hematology department of a university hospital. A bone marrow biopsy is done: the doctor makes a puncture with a special needle and takes several samples of the bone marrow for analysis. To make a diagnosis and determine the general condition of the body, many different laboratory blood tests are needed.

In acute forms of leukemia, immature blast cells are found in the blood and bone marrow. In chronic forms of leukemia, leukemic cells are similar to healthy ones, but are present in the blood in much larger quantities. Determination of surface markers of leukemia cells makes it possible to make an accurate diagnosis in the shortest possible time. Chromosomal and genetic studies confirm the accuracy of the diagnosis and often make it possible to predict the course of the disease. Possible chromosomal and genetic changes can also be taken into account when monitoring the patient’s response to treatment.

Treatment of leukemia

Treatment of leukemia is carried out under the supervision of a hematologist. In Finland, patients with acute forms of leukemia are usually referred for treatment at the hematology department of a university hospital. Therapy of chronic forms can also be carried out in the hematology departments of other medical institutions: treatment is usually carried out on an outpatient basis, hospitalization is not required. The standard treatment for leukemia includes various chemotherapy drugs, sometimes combined with antibodies that recognize cancer cells. Along with this, supportive therapy is carried out, for example, taking blood products, antibiotics, medicines for nausea, drugs that protect the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.

In acute forms of leukemia, the patient first receives a large dose of chemotherapy (induction therapy) in order to remove leukemic cells from the blood of the bone marrow (to achieve the so-called morphological remission). With a positive result of this stage of treatment, various types of therapy are carried out to improve the body’s response to treatment, in medical language called consolidation therapy. If these methods fail to cure leukemia, or if it recurs, a donor stem cell transplant (allogeneic transplant) may be considered. Finding a suitable donor is a difficult task, as the donor and the patient must have identical tissue types. The siblings of the patients are most often matched as donors, but a suitable donor can also be found in the relevant volunteer registry. The search is based on the Finnish Stem Cell Donor Registry, administered by the Finnish Red Cross. There are about 22,000 volunteers on the register. Finnish doctors also have similar foreign registries at their disposal, the total number of potential donors in which is about 22 million people.

Stem cell transplantation is a very complex procedure, and some patients cannot do it. In some cases, this procedure can lead to death. Death can occur due to the toxicity of the procedure, possible rejection of foreign cells, and relapse of the disease.

Relapsing leukemia is common in adult patients. Most children with leukemia recover. With modern treatment, the most common form of childhood leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, can be cured in more than 80% of cases.

Leukemia vs Anemia: Difference and Comparison

Both anemia and leukemia are blood related diseases. Anemia occurs when the level of hemoglobin in the blood falls below the reference standard for age and sex.

Science quiz

Test your knowledge on science-related topics

1 / 10

The first link in all food chains is –

Herbivores

Carnivores

Green plants

All of the above

2 / 10

Which of the following is used in pencils?

Graphite

silicon

Coal

Phosphorous

3 / 10 2 carbon

sulfur

oxygen

4 / 10

A chemical reaction with the release of energy is called :

endothermic

exothermic

5 / 10

Galvanized iron sheets coated

lead

chrome

zinc

can

6 / 10

Washing soda is a generic name

Sodium carbonate

Calcium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate

Calcium carbonate

7 / 10

DNA carries the instructions for the growth of an organism. DNA means…..

Deoxyribose nucleic apple

Deoxyribose nucleic apparatus

Deoxyribonucleic acid

Deoxyribonucleic acid

8 / 10

Which of the following organisms breathes through the skin?

Snake

Worm

Monkey

Humans

9 / 10

Which of the following glands is located in the human mouth?

Adrenal

Pituitary

Sexual

salivary

10 / 10

Which of the following compounds is mainly used in hand sanitizers?

Aldehyde

Acetic acid

Alcohol

Ketones

your bill

Anemia is characterized by a hemoglobin concentration two standard deviations below the mean for your age or sex.

Anemia is a symptom of another disease, not a disease in itself. Leukemia is a disease in which malignant stem cells proliferate into the bone marrow in clones.

When more than 25% of blast cells are found in a bone marrow aspirate, this indicates the presence of leukemia.

Key findings

1. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, and anemia is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells in the blood.
2. Genetic mutations and other factors cause leukemia, while anemia can be caused by various causes such as iron, vitamins and blood loss.
3. Treatment for leukemia may include chemotherapy, radiation, or stem cell transplantation, while treatment for anemia depends on the underlying cause and may include supplements or blood transfusions.

Leukemia against anemia

Leukemia and anemia are diseases of the blood. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body’s ability to produce healthy white blood cells, while anemia is characterized by the absence of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Leukemia is a malignant neoplasm that affects the blood and bone marrow and is caused by an excess production of abnormal white blood cells.

The production of red blood cells and platelets within the bone marrow is damaged by these aberrant white blood cells, which are unable to fight infection.

Acute and chronic leukemia are two types of leukemia.

Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells in the body.

A low level of red blood cells means that the amount of oxygen in the blood is less than it should be, since red blood cells supply oxygen to all body tissues.

Reduced oxygen transport to critical body tissues and organs is the source of many of the symptoms of anemia.

Comparison table

Comparison parameters	Leukemia	anemia
Causes	Characterized by an excess of white blood cells, fewer platelets and fewer red blood cells.	Characterized by low production of red blood cells.
Severity	Fatal cancer.	Non-fatal condition.
Treatment	It is difficult to treat.	Heals quickly.
symptoms	No definitive cause.	Blood loss, blood cell death, poor RBC synthesis and fluid overload.
Diagnostic process	Diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy.	Diagnosed by complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear.

What is Leukemia ?

Leukemia is a malignant neoplasm of the blood and bone marrow. Cancer is described as an uncontrolled proliferation of aberrant cells in simple terms.

Cancer can strike at any time and in any part of the body. This rapid uncontrolled development of aberrant cells occurs in the bone marrow in leukemia.

These aberrant cells subsequently enter the circulatory system.

Leukemia, unlike other malignant neoplasms, rarely forms a tumor that can be detected using imaging techniques such as x-rays.

Leukemia comes in many forms. Some of them are more common among young people, while others are more common among adults. The type of leukemia and other variables determine treatment.

Leukemia is divided into two types depending on how quickly the disease develops.

Acute leukemia and chronic leukemia are two types of leukemia. Leukemia cells divide rapidly, and the disease advances rapidly. A person with acute leukemia will become ill within a few weeks of developing leukemic cells.

The most common malignant neoplasm in children is acute leukemia. In chronic leukemia, cells often have characteristics of both immature and adult cells.

Some of these cells may have evolved to the extent that they function like the cells they were designed for, but not to the extent of their normal counterparts.

Unlike acute leukemia, the disease usually progresses slowly. It is possible that a person may not notice any symptoms for years if they have chronic leukemia.

Adults are more likely than children to develop chronic leukemia.

What is anemia?

Anemia is defined as a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells in the bloodstream.

The most common type of anemia is usually fairly harmless. On the other hand, anemia can sometimes be the first sign of cancer or other serious illness.

Anemia is a common side effect of life-saving cancer drugs in other settings.

Anemia caused by cancer therapy is a huge burden that can lead to excessive exhaustion. There are several types of anemia, each with its own unique set of causes.

Anemia may be transient or chronic, moderate to severe. A combination of factors usually causes anemia.

Dietary iron, B-12 vitamins, and folic acid are essential for the maturation of red blood cells in the body.

Every day, 0.8 to 1% of red blood cells in the body are replaced, and the average lifespan of red blood cells is 100 to 120 days.

Anemia can be caused by any mechanism that disturbs the balance between the formation and destruction of red blood cells. The diagnosis of anemia can vary depending on the type and underlying cause.

This usually entails collecting a blood sample and testing for hemoglobin, a protein found in blood. Leukemia patients are often prone to developing anemia along with root disease.

Key Differences Between Leukemia and Anemia

1. Anemia is a condition characterized by a low production of red blood cells, while leukemia is a malignancy and destruction of the bone marrow characterized by an excess of white blood cells, fewer platelets, and fewer red blood cells.
2. Anemia is not a fatal condition, but leukemia is because it is a malignant neoplasm of the blood.
3. Anemia is easily treated, but leukemia is difficult to treat.