Blood Test Interpretation for Cancer Patients

Why Are Blood Tests Important for Cancer Patients?

Blood tests play a crucial role in monitoring the health of cancer patients. They help doctors assess kidney function, electrolyte levels, and overall body balance. Abnormal values can indicate complications from cancer or side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Kidney Function Tests

The kidneys are essential for filtering waste from the blood. If kidney function declines, it can affect cancer treatment. Important markers include:

• Creatinine (Cr): Normal range: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL. High levels may indicate kidney dysfunction.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Normal range: 7-20 mg/dL. Elevated levels may indicate dehydration or kidney issues.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Used to evaluate overall kidney function. A level below 60 mL/min may indicate chronic kidney disease.

Electrolyte Levels

Electrolyte balance affects the nervous system, muscles, and heart function. Abnormal levels may be due to cancer treatment side effects:

• Sodium (Na): Normal range: 135-145 mmol/L. Low levels may indicate dehydration or diuretic use.
• Potassium (K): Normal range: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L. Abnormal levels can affect heart function.
• Calcium (Ca): Normal range: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL. High levels may be linked to bone cancer or parathyroid dysfunction.
• Magnesium (Mg): Normal range: 1.7-2.2 mg/dL. Low levels can impact nerve and muscle function.