New research from Sweden suggests that anemia, a common blood disorder, may be a significant risk factor for developing cancer. The study, published in BMJ Journals, analyzed data from over 380,000 Swedish adults, comparing those with new-onset anemia to a control group. Participants were cancer-free at the study's outset.
Results indicated that individuals diagnosed with incident anemia faced a substantially higher likelihood of cancer diagnosis, particularly within the first three months. This increased risk was observed in 6.2% of men and 2.8% of women.
Anemia, a common blood disorder, may be a major risk factor for developing cancer. (iStock)
Furthermore, individuals with anemia exhibited a greater risk of death during the 18-month follow-up period. The study identified specific types of anemia associated with disease progression and mortality. Microcytic anemia, characterized by smaller red blood cells, was linked to cancers affecting the digestive system and blood. Macrocytic anemia, with larger red blood cells, showed a stronger correlation with overall mortality.
The researchers concluded in the study that new-onset anemia is a "strong and sustained risk marker" for both incident cancer and all-cause mortality. (iStock)
Lead author Elinor Nemlander stated that the elevated risk of cancer and death is highest in the initial months after anemia detection but persists over time. She emphasized that anemia might signal an underlying disease. Measures like red blood cell size, already routinely available in primary care, can help identify early risk. Nemlander also stressed the importance of structured follow-up and continued evaluation, even if cancer is not initially detected.
Specific types of anemia were individually linked to disease progression and mortality, the researchers discovered. (iStock)
The study, being observational, establishes an association rather than proving causation. It also did not account for all causes of anemia, such as alcohol use, malnutrition, or chronic liver disease.