Prevalence of Anemia among Patients with Solid Cancer at the Time of Diagnosis in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Cancer represents a significant global health challenge, with elevated incidence and mortality rates, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Anemia frequently manifests as a common complication in patients diagnosed with solid tumors, often remaining undiagnosed. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of anemia in individuals recently diagnosed with solid tumors, addressing the lack of comprehensive data on this issue.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the records of 508 newly diagnosed cancer patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City (2014 - 2024). Eligible patients had confirmed histological diagnoses and no prior cancer treatment. Data included demographics, tumor types, and blood parameters (RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH). Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 11.5 g/dL in females and < 13.0 g/dL in males.

RESULTS

Among the 508 patients analyzed, 47.9% were classified as anemic. Microcytic hypochromic anemia (MCHC) was the most prevalent subtype, observed in 25.2% of patients. Colorectal-related malignancies - including colon, rectal, and sigmoid cancers - showed the highest prevalence of MCHC anemia, suggesting chronic gastrointestinal blood loss and iron deficiency as major contributors. In contrast, breast, endometrial, and skin cancers exhibited predominantly non-anemic profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia was prevalent in 47.9% of newly diagnosed solid tumor patients, most commonly in colorectal cancers (colon 61%, sigmoid 58%, rectal 52%), with microcytic hypochromic anemia (25.2%) as the leading type. Excluding patients with chronic illnesses and prior treatments allowed a clearer estimate of the true burden. Early screening and management are essential to reduce treatment-induced anemia and improve patient outcomes.