How chemotherapy affects the blood

Blood cells are made in the bone marrow, which is the spongy part in the centre of the bones.

Learn more about:

• How chemotherapy affects blood cells
• Having blood tests
• Anaemia
• Infections
• Taking care with infections during chemotherapy
• Bleeding problems

How chemotherapy affects blood cells

The bone marrow makes three main types of blood cells, which have specific functions:

• red blood cells – carry oxygen around the body
• white blood cells – fight infection
• platelets – help blood to clot and prevent bruising.

Because the new blood cells are rapidly dividing, they can be damaged by chemotherapy, and the number of blood cells (your blood count) will be reduced. Low numbers of blood cells may cause anaemia, infections or bleeding problems.

Having blood tests

You will have blood tests at the beginning of treatment and before each chemotherapy cycle to check that your blood count is adequate before you have chemotherapy. If your blood count has not recovered, your doctor may delay treatment.