Key points about low red blood cell count due to chemotherapy
- red blood cells carry oxygen around the body
- a low red blood cell count is called anaemia
What red blood cells do
Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Oxygen enters the body through the lungs, attaches to haemoglobin in the red blood cells, and passes to all the organs and tissues of the body.
Anaemia
A low red blood cell count is called anaemia.
Signs of anaemia include:
- tiredness
- shortness of breath
- pale skin and gums
- headache and
- dizziness
Treatment for anaemia
Anaemia will improve by itself over time. But, to correct anaemia quickly, particularly if your child needs more chemotherapy, they may need to have a red blood cell transfusion.
Acknowledgements
All the pages in the childhood cancer section of this website have been written by health professionals who work in the field of paediatric oncology. They have been reviewed by the members of the National Child Cancer Network (NZ). Medical information is authorised by the National Child Cancer Network Clinical Leader.
