Sex Distribution and Hematological Profiles of Selected Gastrointestinal Cancers in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

Gastrointestinal cancers and their treatment may substantially alter peripheral blood indices, making routine hematological assessment important during clinical management. This study described the sex distribution of selected gastrointestinal cancers recorded in Nineveh Governorate and evaluated hematological profiles among affected patients. A descriptive study combined a retrospective review of hospital records from 2017–2023 with a cross-sectional laboratory component conducted from October to December 2025. The laboratory dataset comprised 100 venous blood samples, including 63 patients (27 males and 36 females) and 37 apparently healthy nonsmoking controls. Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red and white blood cell counts, platelet count, and leukocyte differential percentages were measured using an automated Sysmex hematology analyzer. The highest male proportion among pancreatic cancer cases was 64% in 2020, whereas the highest female proportion was 51% in 2019. Rectal cancer cases were predominantly male (56%) from 2017–2020, while females represented 59% in 2023. Compared with controls, most patient groups showed lower hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell, platelet, and white blood cell values. The lowest male hemoglobin and packed cell volume were observed in liver cancer, whereas the lowest female hemoglobin and packed cell volume occurred in pancreatic cancer. Selected gastrointestinal cancers were associated with distinct sex distributions and broad reductions in hematological indices. Regular complete blood count monitoring is warranted, particularly during chemotherapy, to identify cytopenias early and guide supportive care.