Gender Differences in Hemoglobin Level at the Onset of Symptoms of Cancer-Related Anemia

Levar, Joshua M., Gender Differences in Hemoglobin Level at the Onset of Symptoms of Cancer-Related Anemia. Masters (Clinical Research Management), December, 2004, 39 pp., 2 tables, 5 illustrations, bibliography, 47 titles. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the previously demonstrated relationship between quality of life and anemia in cancer patients was influenced by gender. Two hundred and fifty one patients of various diagnoses completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Anemia (FACT-An) subscale to measure quality of life. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between hemoglobin and FACT-An subscale score, as well as a negative correlation between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and FACT-An subscale score. Mean comparison demonstrated a significant difference in FACT-An score between patients currently and not currently receiving chemotherapy. An analysis of covariance, controlling for current therapy and ECOG performance status as confounders, found that men score more poorly on the FACT-An within the hemoglobin range of 10.-13.0 g/dL. In conclusion, the normalization of hemoglobin levels improves quality of life; however, gender differences should be taken into account when determining optimal hemoglobin levels.