Blood Count

Your Blood Count

The goal of cancer treatment – either chemotherapy or radiation therapy – is to interfere with the growth of cancer cells and ultimately destroy them. However, some of the body’s normal cells, the hair follicles, the blood cells and the cells lining in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract are sensitive to these treatments and may also be damaged. Treatments also affecting these cells cause symptoms known as “side effects.”

What To Do If A Cancer Patient Has Concerns

Some treatments can slow or decrease the production of blood cells. That is why, during the course of therapy, the doctor will take samples of a cancer patient's blood to closely watch the blood cell “count.”

If someone you're working with is concerned about his or her blood count, encourage a visit with the patient's healthcare provider.

What is Nadir?

Chemotherapy treatment is expected to lower blood count. This is called the nadir and usually occurs around day 7 to 14 following the last day of chemotherapy.

White Blood Counts

A white blood count with differential provides all the information about white blood cells. White blood cells help protect the body by fighting bacteria, fungi or viruses that cause infections. Therefore, it is especially important for a cancer patient to protect him or herself against infection when white cell count is low.

Red Blood Cells

One function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to the tissues in the body. Hemoglobin and hematocrit are the tests used to evaluate red blood cells. While these measures are low, body tissues do not get enough oxygen to do their work. This results in a condition called anemia.

Platelets

A platelet count is the blood test that measures the number of platelets in the body. Platelets help the blood to clot, preventing excessive bleeding. If a cancer patient is injured, he or she may bleed or bruise more easily then usual if the platelet count is low.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always encourage the cancer patient to seek the advice of his or her physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment.