Factors Associated With Anemia In Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, posing a significant health burden. Following the diagnosis of breast cancer, a patient has to undergo various therapies including chemotherapy. However, this treatment is associated with several adverse effects, with anemia being a particularly concerning complication.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

To determine the proportion of anemia among breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy and to identify the factors associated with anemia in these patients.

METHODOLOGY

This retrospective study will be conducted among female breast cancer patients aged above 18 years with normal hemoglobin levels before starting adjuvant chemotherapy. Details pertaing to the socio-demographic and clinical parameters of the subjects presented between January 2015 and December 2024 will be collected from their medical records. Hemoglobin values recorded at the beginning of each chemotherapy cycle will be extracted from medical records for up to a maximum of eight cycles. The lowest hemoglobin value documented during the first eight cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy will be used to determine the severity of anemia in participants.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Statistical aalysis will be done using SPSS version 29.0 with a 95% confidence interval. Qualitative data will be shown as frequency and percentage, while quantitative data will be presented as mean and standard deviation. The proportion of anemia will be expressed as frequency and percentage, and factors associated with anemia will be analyzed using the chi square test. A p-value of less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

OUTCOME MEASURES

By identifying the factors associated with anemia among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, this study is expected to offer valuable insights for refining supportive care strategies. The findings can help clinicians in early risk assessment and to plan interventions to improve patient outcomes.