Underdiagnosis of iron deficiency anemia among patients with colorectal cancer: an examination of electronic medical records Trishnee Bhurosy1*, Anika Jishan2, Patrick M. Boland3, Yen‐Han Lee4 and Carolyn J. Heckman2
Bhurosy et al. BMC Cancer (2022) 22:435 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-022-09542-z Underdiagnosis of iron deficiency anemia among patients with colorectal cancer: an examination of electronic medical records Trishnee Bhurosy 1* , Anika Jishan 2 , Patrick M. Boland 3 , Yen‐Han Lee 4 and Carolyn J. Heckman 2 Abstract Background: Timely diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients improves overall quality of life and survival. This study assessed the proportion of CRC patients who were formally diagnosed with IDA and factors that predict a formal diagnosis of IDA and receiving iron therapy. Methods: We retrieved electronic medical records (EMRs) of CRC patients from a large comprehensive cancer center in the Northeastern part of the United States ( n = 499). We abstracted sociodemographic characteristics, relevant laboratory results, IDA diagnosis, and iron supplementation from the EMRs. We assessed relationships between participant