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14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to a lack of oxygen reaching the body’s tissues. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen, so any insufficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Anemia can be temporary or long-term, and range from mild to severe. It’s important to diagnose and treat anemia to handle any underlying causes and to prevent further health problems.
Anemia is a common health condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body. This results in inadequate oxygen supply to the body’s tissues, affecting its functionality and causing a range of symptoms. With a wide array of underlying causes, anemia is more than a singular disease. Its pervasiveness underscores the importance of understanding this health condition.
From a medical standpoint, anemia is defined as a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in the body. Clinically, it is diagnosed when the hemoglobin levels in the blood are below the standard range.
In simpler terms, anemia means your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to supply oxygen to your tissues. Consequently, you will feel tired and weak, which are the tell-tale signs of anemia.
Red blood cells play an essential role in the existence of anemia. Produced in the bone marrow, these cells carry oxygen from the lungs to other body tissues. When the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells, tissues are starved of the oxygen necessary for their proper function, leading to anemia.
Nutrition plays a significant role in the development of anemia. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, and folate can result in decreased red blood cell production, leading to anemia.
Chronic diseases, like kidney disease and cancer, can interfere with the production of red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. Inflammatory diseases can also lead to anemia of chronic disease (ACD).
Genetic factors can also lead to anemia. Conditions such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia are genetic disorders that affect the structure and production of hemoglobin, causing anemia.
Common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats, and shortness of breath. In children, symptoms of anemia can also manifest as slowed growth and development, along with behavioral problems.
Diagnosis of anemia generally involves a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. Additional tests may be conducted based on the suspected underlying cause.
Early diagnosis of anemia is crucial. Prolonged anemia can cause serious complications like heart problems due to the heart working harder to pump more oxygen-rich blood.
Treatment for anemia often involves dietary changes. Consuming iron-rich foods, folic acid, and vitamin B12 can help increase the red blood cell count.
Depending on the cause, medications like iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, or specific drugs for chronic disease-induced anemia may be prescribed.
In severe cases, treatment for anemia can involve surgical procedures such as blood transfusions or a bone marrow transplant.
Managing anemia involves adhering to treatment, avoiding triggers, and maintaining a balanced diet. Regular medical check-ups are also vital.
People with anemia should avoid activities that can exacerbate symptoms like heavy exertion, high altitudes, and smoking.
Regular exercise can aid in improving symptoms of fatigue and weakness. Eating small, frequent meals can also help combat the lack of appetite that sometimes accompanies anemia.
An understanding of anemia and its various underlying causes can greatly assist in its management and help prevent further complications. Facing anemia with knowledge and persistence can help ensure optimum health and well-being.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type.
Severe cases of anemia, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications that can be fatal.
People with anemia should avoid foods that inhibit iron absorption, like coffee, tea, and foods high in calcium.
Depending on the cause, anemia can often be managed effectively with treatment but not always cured.
Anemia can affect the body’s function by reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the tissues, which can lead to fatigue and weakness.
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