Hi my name is Mariah and I have a question regarding anemia and the
hemoglobin levels and hematocrit levels decreasing in my blood work.I
have had some bloodwork done over the past two years for a study that
I was in for physical fitness and my hematocrit and my hemoglobin
levels were not in the normal range. I had heard a story about a
woman that had died of colon cancer in 2003 and her hematocrit levels
were dropping and dropping over a 14 year span and they never
suggested a colonoscopy or anything like that.
This signifies that I am anemic, is that correct? an iron anemia
right?Could this suggest that I should have a colonoscopy as well or
is having a hematocrit level drop, could it be something else.
I am just nervous because this woman was only 45, no history of colon
cancer, did have abdominal pain for a while but mainly the symptom was
the hematocrit level and really no other symptom. Can you please shed
some light on this matter, thank you so much.......Mariah

Dear Maria,

Dropping haematocrit and haemoglobin level is a significant problem.If they drop
low enough below the normal range then this is called Anaemia.One of the
commonest cause is Iron Deficiency due to chronic blood loss.Therefore bleeding
from colon cancer has to be entertained.
If you have any abdominal symptoms whatsoever, you should have a colonoscopy.
If you are completely asymptomatic and you happened to know your haematocrit
level,then i would advise you to get a stool occult blood to be done.

Dr Hamid