Studies on Serum Ferritin, Iron, Platelet and White Blood Cell Counts in Patients Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in Owerri, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally. Alterations in hematological and iron-related parameters, such as total white blood cell (TWBC) count, platelet count, serum iron, and ferritin, may provide insights into disease progression and prognosis. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu, Nigeria. Forty female patients diagnosed with cervical cancer and 20 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Venous blood samples were collected for TWBC and platelet counts using an automated hematology analyzer, while serum iron and ferritin were measured via colorimetric and ELISA techniques, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Cervical cancer patients had significantly elevated TWBC (10.85 ± 4.45) ×10⁹/µL and platelet counts (301.15 ± 87.97) ×10⁹/µL compared to controls TWBC: (6.39 ± 1.67) ×10⁹/µL; platelets: (245.65 ± 56.12) ×10⁹/µL; p < 0.0001 and p = 0.005). Serum iron (8.23 ± 2.03) µmol/L and ferritin (87.78 ± 69.63) ng/mL were significantly lower than in healthy participants; iron: (12.49 ± 4.47) µmol/L; ferritin: (144.45 ± 73.22) ng/mL; (p = 0.001and 0.007). Stratification by disease duration revealed decreasing TWBC and iron levels, but progressively increasing ferritin with longer disease duration. Correlation analysis indicated no significant association between platelet count and TWBC, serum iron, or ferritin.Conclusion: Cervical cancer is associated with significant hematological and iron-related disturbances. TWBC and ferritin levels may serve as accessible biomarkers for disease monitoring, particularly in resource-limited settings. Routine assessment of these parameters could complement standard clinical evaluations and support patient management.