The Efficacy of Hb and RBCs Indices Components of a Full Blood Count Test on Detection of Colorectal Cancer among Adult Sudanese Patients

Abstract

Background: One of the most dangerous neoplasms affecting the colon, rectum, and/or anus, colorectal cancer (CRC) has a variety of macroscopic and histopathologic features. The third most prevalent cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer-related cause of death is colorectal cancer. The second most prevalent gastrointestinal cancer and the fifth most frequent primary tumor in Sudan is colorectal cancer. A complete blood count (FBC) is a routine blood test that can include up to 20 different blood components and is used in both primary and secondary care. This study was done to assess how well the FBC test works for detecting CRC. Objectives: We hypothesized that the Hb and RBCs indices (RBCs counts, PCV, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) components of a full blood count test have a value in the detection of colorectal cancer among adult Sudanese patients. Material and Methods: This study was a hospital- based retrospective cross-sectional analytical study. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The study was conducted at the Shendi Oncology Hospital and Research Center; University of Shendi. In the period from August 2015 to August 2022. Result: The results of the study showed that the mean values of the RBCs, PCV, and MCV for both gender males and females were significantly higher in the healthy adult Sudanese people compared with the colorectal cancer patients (p=0.000). The mean value of the MCHC for both genders was significantly higher in the colorectal cancer patients compared with the healthy adult people (p=0.002). The mean values of the MCH and Hb were varied according to the gender between the colorectal cancer patients and the healthy adult people. The result also showed that 25 (25%) patients who performed the FBC test before receiving the chemotherapy; had relatively low mean values of Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, and MCHC compared with 23 (23%) patients who performed the FBC test after they received the chemotherapy. Conclusion: An FBC test can be used to screen individuals who are suspected of having colorectal cancer for iron deficiency anemia, which develops as a result of persistent blood loss from rectal bleeding and is the primary symptom of CRC in the early stages.