The study found that new anemia was associated with a higher risk of cancer and mortality

Anemia, a common blood disorder, may be a major risk factor for Cancer development.

That’s according to new research from Sweden, which sought to discover whether newly developing anemia is an early warning sign of cancer or death from any cause.

The study, published in the BMJ Journal, looked at registration data for more than 380,000 Swedish adults – half of whom were new-onset anemia and the other half were of the same age and sex, but did not have anemia.

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All participants were over 18 years of age and free of cancer at the start of the study.

The results showed that people with episodic anemia – new cases that occur over a specific period – have a much greater chance of recovery He was diagnosed with cancerEspecially in the first three months, according to a press release. This included 6.2% of men and 2.8% of women.

Anemia, a common blood disorder, may be a major risk factor for cancer. (Istock)

Individuals with anemia also had a significantly greater chance of death during the 18-month follow-up period.

The researchers discovered that certain types of anemia are individually associated with disease progression and mortality.

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Microcytic anemia — where red blood cells are smaller than normal — has often been linked to cancer, especially types of diseases that affect the digestive system and blood.

Macrocytic anemia, which is a type of anemia where Red blood cells They were larger than normal, and were more strongly associated with overall mortality than with cancer.

The study’s researchers concluded that new-onset anemia is a “strong and persistent risk marker” for both cancer incidence and all-cause mortality. (Istock)

The study’s researchers concluded that the new anemia is considered “robust and persistent.” Danger signs“For both cancer incidence and all-cause mortality.

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Elinor Niemlander, the study’s lead author and a researcher at the Department of Neuroscience, Care Sciences and Society at Karolinska Institutet, commented on the findings in a Karolinska Institutet press release. Swedish Medical University.

“We found that the risk of cancer and the risk of death are highest during the first months after anemia is discovered, but the increased risk persists later during follow-up as well,” she said. “Our findings suggest that anemia may be a sign of an underlying disease rather than a condition in itself.”

The researchers discovered that certain types of anemia are individually associated with disease progression and mortality. (Istock)

Speaking with Fox News Digital, Nemlander noted that measures such as red blood cell volume are already “routinely available” in primary care, and that the study highlights how this existing data can be used to determine Early danger.

“At the same time, elevated risks persist over time, underscoring the need for structured follow-up and clear plans for ongoing evaluation, even when cancer is not initially identified,” she added.

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Since the study was observational, it showed an association, but did not prove that anemia causes cancer or death.

The research also did not measure all causes of anemia, including… Alcohol useMalnutrition, chronic liver disease, inflammatory conditions, and blood loss resulting from gynecological diseases.

“Some results may also be affected by who gets tested, underlying diseases, and differences in how anemia is evaluated in different countries.” Health care settingsNimlander added.