Abstract:
Background: Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the UK. Colorectal cancer is rare before age 40; the incidence rises gradually to 3.7/1000 per year by age of 80 years. 94% new cases are diagnosed over age of 50 and 59% aged 70 or over. Anaemia is frequently seen at presentation in colorectal cancer patients, with a reported incidences of > 30%. The incidence depends on the site of the cancer. Aim: To assess the prevalence of anaemia in patients diagnosed with tumors located in different segments of the colon and rectum. Method: All patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital UK from January 2015 through December 2019 were retrospectively identified from the referral database created by colorectal specialist nurses in the colorectal service. Data were retrieved by detailed review of the hospital case notes, ICE/Evolve (Computer database for investigations and correspondence) including endoscopy; radiographic imaging; operative course and cancer follow up. Results: In the study period 976 patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer percentages of studied participant were Male 52.6% (513) and Female 47.4% (463). The Male to Female ratio was 1:1.10. The mean age of 74.14 years (range, 25 to 101). Ninety four (94) (9.63%) patients were excluded from the study. Anaemia was evident in 46.93% of all cancers, Iron deficiency present in 28.3% and 18.59% patients had Normocytic anaemia. Right Colon 37.07% of patient diagnosed with tumour, 204 had anaemia at presentation with 40.06% of being iron deficiency, In 555 patients with Left Colon cancer, 37.83% were anaemic, 16.39% normocytic and 21.44% of these had an Iron deficiency. Of 261 Rectal cancer patients 31.03% were anaemic at presentation with 17.62% of these having iron deficiency. 53.06% Patients with no anaemia were more likely to have a diagnosis of Colorectal cancer than those who were anaemic 46.93%. Conclusion: In Patients presenting with anaemia, colonoscopy or investigation of the whole colon is mandatory because there is a greater likelihood of a cancer in the proximal colon. Timely diagnosis and complete resection remains the keystones for the management of colon cancer.
Biography:
Ashfaq Chandio is a surgeon specialising in General and Colorectal Surgery with extensive clinical and academic experience within the United Kingdom and Ireland. He is currently associated with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest teaching hospital organisations in the United Kingdom.
He graduated in medicine from Chandka Medical College Larkana, Pakistan, and subsequently pursued postgraduate surgical training across Ireland and the United Kingdom. During this period he gained broad multidisciplinary surgical experience including colorectal surgery, general surgery, urology, vascular surgery, emergency surgery, and breast and endocrine surgery. He holds the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FRCSI) and dual European Board of Surgery (FEBS) certifications in General Surgery and Coloproctology. He has also completed a Diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery in France, reflecting his interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
He has worked across multiple NHS organisations including Hywel Dda University Health Board, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (Northwick Park Hospital), and NHS Grampian. While working in Scotland, he also served as Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, contributing to undergraduate medical education and clinical training.
His clinical interests include colorectal disease, laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, multidisciplinary colorectal care, and surgical service development. He has also contributed to service innovation, including work related to Colon Capsule Endoscopy at Dr Gray’s Hospital.
He maintains a strong commitment to surgical education and professional training. He has taught and supervised medical students, International Medical Graduates, foundation doctors, surgical trainees, and advanced nurse practitioners. He has served as faculty for surgical training programmes delivered through the Royal College of Surgeons of England, including Basic Surgical Skills (BSS), START Surgery, and CCrISP – Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient. He has also contributed to MRCS examination preparation programmes, including teaching in anatomy and peri-operative care.
He has participated in peer-reviewed publications, national and international scientific presentations, and academic collaboration, and has mentored participants in international gastroenterology and surgical conferences.
His professional work reflects a continuing commitment to clinical excellence, surgical education, multidisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship of future healthcare professionals.
