Prostate cancer typically has four stages, although the exact clinical definitions and descriptions have subbranches under each. Stages one and two have to do with progressive stages of the tumor within the prostate gland. Stages three and four mean that the tumor’s growth and effects have spanned outside of the walnut-shaped gland. At stage four, also known as the advanced stage, the cancer has started to spread to other parts of your body, like your rectum and your bladder. This is the stage at which it can also reach your bones. It is also when anemia and resulting pale skin could occur.
Your bone marrow can become damaged in two ways because of advanced prostate cancer — one can be a result of the tumor itself affecting your bone marrow and the second is because of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other cancer treatments. Your bone marrow makes red blood cells, also known as hemoglobin. These cells perform the vital function of transporting oxygen through your body. Not having enough red blood cells and your skin not getting enough oxygen can both contribute toward pallor. And it’s not just your skin that becomes light-hued. Anemia can affect your nails, gums, and lips too.
Anemia-related concerns aside, advanced prostate cancer comes with other warning signs too. Let’s take a look at them now.