Hematological and Iron-Related Biomarkers in Cervical Cancer: Insights from Serum Ferritin, Iron, Platelet, and White Blood Cell Profiles among women attending IMSUTH Orlu, Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer continues to be a significant public health concern with late diagnosis and access to diagnostics being some of the reasons behind poor outcomes especially in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate selected hematological and iron-related biomarkers in women with cervical cancer and determine their relationship with disease duration.
Methods: This analytical study was a hospital-based study carried out at Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Nigeria, consisting of 100 participants (80 cervical cancer patients and 20 apparently healthy controls). Serum ferritin, serum iron, platelet count, and white blood cell count were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The analysis of data was done at the level of significance of p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Serum ferritin, platelet count, and white blood cell count were significantly higher in cervical cancer patients than in healthy controls, whereas serum iron levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Biomarker levels varied with disease duration. Ferritin was positively correlated with disease duration, whereas serum iron, platelet count, and white blood cell count were negatively correlated. Although platelet and white blood cell counts were higher in patients than in controls, both parameters showed a declining trend with increasing disease duration.
Conclusion: These results suggest that iron dysregulation and systemic inflammation are related to cervical cancer. Functional iron deficiency has been indicated by the concomitant presence of high ferritin and low serum iron. Regular monitoring of these biomarkers may enhance clinical evaluation.
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