According to haematologist Dr Jameela Sathar, public awareness regarding blood health is relatively limited as focus is usually directed towards aspects such as heart health, blood pressure, and glucose and cholesterol levels.
“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.
Jameela was speaking on the sidelines of a forum organised by Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia recently. The event was aimed at providing exposure, knowledge, skills and awareness for the care of cancer patients, and to help them achieve a better quality of life during treatment.
Blood health plays an important role in transporting oxygen and nutrients, removing waste, fighting infections, stopping bleeding, healing wounds and regulating body temperature, Jameela said. When the body’s haemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells) level drops to below 13g/dL, it can cause anaemia.
Anaemia is also attributed to a lack of iron as the body needs this mineral to make haemoglobin. The condition can lead to fatigue, loss of concentration and motivation, and a reduced quality of life.
In the case of cancer patients, if anaemia is detected and treated early, it can improve survival rates, Jameela noted. “They need good blood health to endure intensive treatments like chemotherapy. The danger of anaemia lies in its ability to reduce a patient’s capacity to withstand aggressive cancer treatments.”
She also warned that low haemoglobin levels can lead to inadequate tissue oxygenation, “diminishing the effectiveness of treatments”.
Sometimes, doctors have to delay or lower treatment doses for cancer patients with poor blood health, which could potentially compromise the outcomes of cancer therapy and increase the risk of infections.
Spreading awareness
Advising cancer patients to ensure their haemoglobin and ferritin (a blood protein that contains iron) readings are above 13g/dL and 100ng/mL, respectively, 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.
Jameela further said educational programmes should be held for cancer patients and their families to enhance their understanding of the importance of blood health.
“Regular blood health screenings should also be implemented, with free or subsidised screenings to promote greater awareness,” she concluded.