PWE-023 Microcytic anaemia is a poor indicator to trigger investigation for colorectal cancer: a single centre study

IntroductionLess than half of the patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) via emergency admissions have curative treatment intent, likely due to more advanced disease and poor performance status – highlighting the need for better surveillance. Right-sided CRC (RCC) is particularly associated with worse survival outcomes when compared to left-sided CRC (LCC). [1] NICE guidelines on CRC screening recommend that iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in those aged 60 and above warrants urgent endoscopy. However, in those aged below 60, IDA requires positive testing for faecal occult blood prior to urgent endoscopy. [2]MethodThis retrospective observational cohort study analysed haematological profiles (prior to histological diagnosis) of 265 patients with CRC. BSG guidelines were used to define anaemia [Hb