Low red blood cell count due to chemotherapy

A low red blood cell count is called anaemia, and causes tiredness, shortness of breath, pale skin and gums, headache and dizziness. To correct anaemia a transfusion of red blood cells may be given.

What do red blood cells do?

Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Oxygen enters the body through the lungs, attaches to haemoglobin contained in the red blood cells, and passes to all the organs and tissues of the body.

What is anaemia?

A low red blood cell count is called anaemia.

Signs of anaemia are:

tiredness
shortness of breath
pale skin and gums
headache and
dizziness

What is the treatment for anaemia?

To correct anaemia a transfusion of red blood cells may be given.

Where to go for more information and support

On this website
Childhood cancer: Where to go for more information and support

Acknowledgements

All the information 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.