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Cancer-related fatigue or anemia?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from CallaF: How would I know if this is normal cancer-related fatigue, or if I'm anemic?
Answer —Russell Portenoy, M.D.: To the person experiencing it, the fatigue that accompanies anemia or the fatigue that is from other causes can feel the same. So that the person who experiences fatigue would be unable to know for sure whether it is an anemia or some other problems. This is why it is important to have an adequate assessment, if the fatigue is significant. In addition to the kinds of evaluations that we mentioned before, measurement of the hemoglobin is extremely important. There is now evidence that makes us believe that even relatively mild anemia can be associated with fatigue in some women. And it may be worthwhile to have a relatively mild anemia treated in an effort to determine whether the fatigue lifts.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Ease Fatigue, Boost Energy. Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N., Russel Portenoy, M.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about ways to manage fatigue and increase energy levels.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N.Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N., is the Dr. May Rawlinson Distinguished Professor and a senior scientist at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Nursing in Portland.

Russell Portenoy, M.D.Russell Portenoy, M.D., is a neurologist and chairman of the Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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