Importance of anemia in colorectal cancer
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the second cause of cancer mortality in Uruguay accounting for 23.61% out of the total death for cancer. Anemia, a frequent symptom in patients with colorectal cancer, is associated with shorter life-time but its prognostic value is questionned.
The aim of the paper is to determine the role of anemia before surgery in patients with colorectal cancer in the prognosis.
A retrospective follow up study of 411 patients with colorectal cancer from 1987 to 2002. Anemia before surgery was seen in 230 patients (56%): injuries were predominant in right colon (84/230, 36.5%), mean age was 68 years. Anemia was not observed in 181 patients: injuries were predominant at rectal level (73/181, 40.3%), mean age was 64 years. Global and surgical mortality were higher in patients with anemia: 47% versus 34% p=0.05, and 10% versus 3% p=0.009. Dukes stages B, C and D were predominant (394/411, 96%).
Anemia before surgery in patients with colorectal cancer has negative incidence in prognosis, and increases global and surgical mortality rates.
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