Is low hemoglobin a sign of cancer?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Bhanu Prakash

General Practitioner

MBBS
AFIH
Advanced certificate in critical care medicine
Fellowship in critical care medicine
10+ Yrs

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Anemia is a common condition in cancer patients especially post chemotherapy. However, low hemoglobin always does not indicate cancer.

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Answered 24/07/2025

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I have been diagnosed with rectum cancer. The rectum wall thickening is 15 mm in width and 61 mm in length. The doctor said this condition has been there for a very long time and asked why I did not come earlier. I said I had no problems, that is why. My report shows low hemoglobin 6.5 and my age is 83. I am thin and weak. I want an opinion on whether I should go for chemotherapy or not?

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