Prevalence and Classification of Anemia among Patients with Gynecological Malignancies: A Prospective Observational Study from a Tertiary Cancer Institute in North India
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Abstract
Background: Anemia is a frequent comorbidity in women with gynecological malignancies, adversely affecting tolerance to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Despite its clinical relevance, Indian data on its prevalence and severity patterns across tumor sites remain scarce. Objective: To estimate the prevalence, severity, and etiological classification of anemia among women with newly diagnosed gynecological cancers presenting for primary management. Methods: This prospective descriptive observational pilot study was conducted at a cancer institute in Noth India, from May 2023 to August 2025. Consecutive women with histologically confirmed carcinoma of the cervix, endometrium, ovary, or vulva who had not received prior treatment for cancer or anemia in the preceding six months were screened. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 11 g/dL (NCI 2017 criteria). Eligible participants underwent hematological evaluation including general blood picture, RBC indices, and iron profile for classification and severity grading. Results: Of 758 new gynecological cancer patients registered, 282 completed evaluation and treatment. Anemia was detected in 155 patients, giving a prevalence of 55%. Severe anemia (Hb ≤ 7 g/dL) occurred in 18%, moderate in 21%, and mild in 60.6%. Ovarian (44%) and cervical (44%) cancers were the most frequent sites associated with anemia. Advanced stage (FIGO 2B–3C) disease correlated with higher anemia prevalence. Parenteral iron therapy was more common among ovarian cancer patients, whereas blood transfusions predominated in those undergoing radiotherapy. Conclusion: Anemia is a highly prevalent comorbidity in women with gynecological cancers, particularly ovarian and cervical carcinomas, and is more pronounced in advanced disease. Routine pre-treatment screening and proactive correction of anemia are essential to optimize treatment compliance and outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Priyanka Singh
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Creative Commons License All articles published in Annals of Medicine and Medical Sciences are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Dr. Priyanka Singh, Additional Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Kalyan Singh Super Specialty Cancer Institute, Lucknow, India.
Additional Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Kalyan Singh Super Specialty Cancer Institute, Lucknow, India.
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