Poor blood health can compromise outcomes of cancer therapy - Expert

Cancer patients face a challenging journey that demands careful attention to various aspects of their health to ensure the efficacy of their treatment.

Besides maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consuming nutrient-rich foods, it is also vital for patients to ensure their blood levels remain within a healthy range.

Low levels of haemoglobin or iron can be particularly dangerous and may impact the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.

According to Dr Jameela Sathar, a haematologist at Hospital Ampang, Selangor, public awareness, in general, regarding blood health is relatively limited as people’s focus is usually directed toward aspects like heart health, blood pressure, and glucose and cholesterol levels.

She said individuals, including cancer patients, suffering from blood deficiencies may have to face health implications.

"Awareness of blood health is still at a low level. Blood plays a vital role in the body's functions and in preventing diseases. Many people fail to recognise the early signs of anaemia or iron deficiency and only seek treatment when the condition becomes more severe,” she said.

Dr Jameela, who is also Women’s Haemostasis Club (KHWAN) advisor, was speaking to Bernama on the sidelines of a forum held here recently.

Organised by Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia, the forum was aimed at providing exposure, knowledge, skills and awareness for the care of cancer patients and helping them achieve a better quality of life during the treatment process.

DANGER OF BEING ANAEMIC

Describing blood health as fundamental to the body's optimal functioning as it plays an important role in transporting oxygen and nutrients, removing waste, fighting infections, stopping bleeding, healing wounds and regulating body temperature, Dr Jameela said when the body’s haemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells) level drops to below 13 g/dL, it can cause anaemia.

Anaemia, also attributed to the lack of iron as the body needs this mineral to make haemoglobin, can lead to fatigue, loss of concentration and motivation, as well as reduce one’s quality of life

In the case of cancer patients, if anaemia is detected and treated early, it can improve survival rates, said Dr Jameela.

"They need good blood health to endure intensive treatments like chemotherapy,” she said, adding, "The danger of anaemia lies in its ability to reduce a patient’s capacity to withstand aggressive cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.”

She also warned that low haemoglobin levels can lead to inadequate tissue oxygenation, "diminishing the effectiveness of treatments.”

She said sometimes, doctors may have to delay or lower treatment doses for cancer patients with poor blood health, which can potentially compromise the outcomes of cancer therapy. It also increases the risk of infections, especially as the immune system is already suppressed by cancer treatment.

"Infections can become more severe and take longer to recover from, further burdening patients and worsening cancer prognosis,” she added.

IMPROVE AWARENESS

Advising cancer patients to ensure their haemoglobin and ferritin (a blood protein that contains iron) readings are above 13 g/dL and 100 ng/mL respectively, Dr Jameela said healthy levels can be achieved through a balanced diet, taking iron supplements and regular monitoring by doctors.

"If patients show signs of bleeding such as skin bruises or if they vomit blood or have black stools, abnormal menstrual bleeding or extreme fatigue, medical advice must be sought immediately.

"Caregivers can play a vital role by understanding the importance of blood health and supporting patients in meeting their nutritional and treatment needs,” she added.

Hoping that blood health awareness campaigns can be expanded across social media, television, radio and digital platforms to provide information about the importance of maintaining good blood health, Dr Jameela said educational programmes must also be held for cancer patients and their families to enhance understanding.

"This can involve haematologists, nurses and dietitians who can explain anaemia management and the importance of iron and appropriate nutrition during (cancer) treatment. Regular blood health screenings should also be implemented, with free or subsidised screenings to promote greater awareness,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nestle (M) Sdn Bhd medical affairs manager Zoe Chiang Wan Ling said consuming the right food can prevent malnutrition and strengthen the body to fight cancer.

She noted that cancer patients need to consume a variety of foods to obtain nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

"As outlined in the Malaysian Food Pyramid 2020, cancer patients should consume more vegetables, fruits, grain products, fish, chicken and legumes. Dairy products should be consumed in moderation while foods high in fat and sugar, as well as alcohol, should be reduced,” she said.

The dietitian said cancer patients should consume high-calorie and protein-rich foods as cancer and its treatments can cause metabolic changes that lead to increased calorie burning.

The side effects of the treatments can also lead to reduced appetite and the body's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to weight loss.

"Other side effects such as difficulty swallowing, diarrhoea, mouth sores and vomiting can affect the nutritional status of cancer patients. Caregivers should be mindful of healthy nutrition for cancer patients, especially during chemotherapy and radiation processes that can impact their appetite and nutritional status,” she said. - BERNAMA