How does chemotherapy affect red blood cells?

Chemotherapy primarily affects rapidly dividing cells in the body, which includes not only cancer cells but also healthy cells such as those in the bone marrow responsible for producing red blood cells. When chemotherapy is administered, it can lead to a decrease in red blood cell production because the bone marrow is often suppressed and unable to produce sufficient amounts of these cells.

As a result, there is a diminished capacity for oxygen transport throughout the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, all of which are associated with anemia. This is why the correct response emphasizes the impact of chemotherapy on decreasing the oxygen transport capacity of the blood by reducing the number of red blood cells available.