BACKGROUND: Some 40% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients present with anemia. Temporal trends of gradually decreasing Hb are suggested as a supplementary diagnostic tool for CRC. We set out to explore this concept in a strictly defined population.
METHODS: A laboratory database identified patients ≥40 years that had ≥1 Hb test reported from primary care, Örebro county in 2000-17. Linkage to the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry identified patients diagnosed with CRC. Other primary care patients served as controls (1:10), matched by age and sex. Prediagnostic Hb in cases and controls were compared and temporal trajectories of Hb modelled using a nonlinear three-parameter logistic function.
RESULTS: primary care was surprisingly low, and was ≥50% annually only in octogenarians.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a potential for Hb trends to inform the diagnostic process of CRC but whether it will translate into any clinical advantage is yet uncertain.
Funding Agency:
Nyckelfonden, Örebro, Sweden