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Low blood cell counts: Side effect of cancer treatment

How can you tell if you have low blood cell counts?

Unless your blood cell counts are very low, you probably won't experience any signs or symptoms and you won't be able to tell that your blood cell counts are down. That's why your doctor may order frequent blood tests to follow your blood cell counts.

Ask your doctor whether your cancer treatment is likely to cause low blood cell counts and what signs and symptoms you should be looking for. If you notice any signs or symptoms of low blood cell counts, tell your doctor right away.

Condition What to look for
Source: National Cancer Institute, 2018
Low white blood cell count
  • Fever higher than 100.5 F (38 C)
  • Chills
  • Sweating
Low red blood cell count
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
Low platelet count
  • Bleeding
  • Easy bruising
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding