Can radiation treatment cause low white blood cell counts?

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GJ

Community Member

5 months ago

Hi ladies — I just got bloodwork back and most things look fine, but my white blood cells, neutrophils, and Hep B antibody came back low. I had radiation earlier this year and was curious — have any of you had low white counts on your labs after treatment? My primary hasn’t followed up yet (it’s been almost 6 days), so I haven’t shared with my oncologist. Just wondering if this has happened to anyone else.

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Accepted Answer

Radiation therapy can indeed affect blood cell counts, including white blood cells and neutrophils, as these treatments can impact the bone marrow where blood cells are produced. Many people in the breast cancer community have experienced similar lab changes after radiation treatment. It's encouraging that most of your bloodwork looks fine, and reaching out to your oncologist about these specific results would be a good next step since they have the full picture of your treatment history and can provide the best guidance about what these numbers mean for your situation.

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SS

Community Member

5 months ago

My neutrophils were low after radiation as well.

1

GJ

Community Member

5 months ago

Thank you for the response. What is interesting- oncologist said this has nothing to do with it. My levels before were good so something I need to stay on top. Thank you!

SS

Community Member

5 months ago

My medical oncologist said that my low values for neutrophils/white blood cells was mist likely due to thd radiation. 🤷🏼‍♀️

CA

Community Member

4 months ago

Radiation therapy can indeed affect blood cell counts, including white blood cells and neutrophils, as these treatments can impact the bone marrow where blood cells are produced. Many people in the breast cancer community have experienced similar lab changes after radiation treatment. It's encouraging that most of your bloodwork looks fine, and reaching out to your oncologist about these specific results would be a good next step since they have the full picture of your treatment history and can provide the best guidance about what these numbers mean for your situation.

Can radiation treatment cause low white blood cell counts?

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