Ethnic Variations in Routine Blood Tests and Cancer Risk Prediction in Primary Care

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter has revealed significant differences in the effectiveness of routine blood tests for predicting cancer risk across different ethnic groups. The study focused on common blood markers used in primary care, such as hemoglobin levels and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which are typically employed to assess anemia and other health conditions.

The findings indicate that while these blood tests are valuable in predicting subsequent cancer risk among white patients, their predictive power is notably weaker among Asian and Black patients. Notably, low hemoglobin and low MCV, which are often indicators of iron deficiency anemia, did not reliably signal increased cancer risk in these populations. The strongest association with cancer diagnoses, particularly colorectal and esophageal-gastric cancers, was observed in white patients.

Published in the British Journal of General Practice, this research underscores the limitations of current diagnostic guidelines that do not account for ethnic variability. Dr. Tanimola Martins, a senior research fellow involved in the study, emphasized the need for more personalized approaches. He highlighted that these disparities likely stem from a combination of biological differences, lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status, and variations in healthcare access and testing frequency.

The implications are considerable, as early detection is crucial for improving cancer survival rates. Currently, guidelines primarily consider factors like age and sex, but fail to incorporate ethnicity, despite evident differences in cancer incidence and outcomes among diverse populations. For example, while white populations may have a higher overall risk of certain cancers, Black and Asian patients are often diagnosed at more advanced stages, particularly for gastrointestinal cancers.

This study calls for further research to understand these disparities and advocates for developing diagnostic strategies that are more inclusive and tailored to different ethnic groups. By doing so, healthcare providers can ensure timely and accurate cancer investigations for all patients, ultimately reducing health inequalities.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-primary-routine-blood-cancer-differ.html