What type of cancer is a known risk factor for neutropenia?

Neutropenia, which is a condition characterized by a low number of neutrophils in the blood, is often associated with certain types of cancer and their treatments. Lung cancer, specifically, is more frequently associated with neutropenia due to the aggressive nature of the disease and the fact that chemotherapy regimens for lung cancer can be particularly intensive. These regimens may include drugs that are myelosuppressive, meaning they significantly affect bone marrow function and lead to decreased production of white blood cells, including neutrophils.

Breast cancer, skin cancer, and prostate cancer can also be treated with chemotherapy, but the risk of neutropenia is generally lower compared to lung cancer, especially in early-stage disease or in patients who are receiving less aggressive treatment protocols. Each type of cancer and its treatment plan can influence the likelihood of developing neutropenia, but lung cancer is well recognized in clinical practice as a strong risk factor for this blood disorder due to the treatment course involved.