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Dr. David
Dr. David, Board Certified MD
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Can low ferritin be a sign of a cancer in bowel or stomach?

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Can low ferritin be a sign of a cancer in bowel or stomach ?
Ferritin 8
Hemaglobin 10.5
Dr. David

This is Dr. David

I have helped you before on this.

this would not be a sign of cancer.

the stools have to be checked for blood.

most likely her low iron is causing low ferritin which is causing low hemoglobin.

so no need to jump to conclusion of cancer at this point.

let me know if you have other questions.

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Customer: replied 1 year ago.
Are iron mm and hemglobin the same thing ?

no, iron and hemoglobin are not the same thing.

iron is used to make the hemoglobin molecule which is in red blood cells and helps to carry oxygen in the red blood cell.

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Customer: replied 1 year ago.
I see. So if ferritin is low like 8 and hemoglobin is bit low would this be called iron defficiency anemia ?

yes, iron deficiency anemia.

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Customer: replied 1 year ago.
Thanks . But would such a low ferritin of 8 indicate slow blood loss .? For bowel
Or stomach cancer would
There be other signs too?

that is why I suggested she get her stools tested for blood

she may not be getting enough iron in her diet. that can cause low ferritin and low hemoglobin as well.

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Customer: replied 1 year ago.
Have u known patients who have low ferritin with bowel or stomach cancer ? Is it commonYes her stools shoukd b checked I think

bowel and stomach cancer are not common.

let me know if you have other questions.

if done for now, please leave positive rating of 3-5 stars so I can get credit for helping you today

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Customer: replied 1 year ago.
Ok I'm worried as my father kept having low hemaglobin where it reached 6 and then was referred for a colonoscopy and a cancer was found . He was 66. So I'm worried y this hemaglobin and ferritin low too

yes, I understand your worry.

cancer is a small possibility.

that is why I suggested he get his stools tested for blood.

I can't take away your worries.

you keep asking these same questions about colon cancer.

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