The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and its clinical implications in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) tract malignancy is an important cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of IDA and its clinical implications in colorectal cancer patients.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 101 patients who were admitted to Taipei Veterans General Hospital with proven colorectal carcinoma from 2003-2005.