The aim is to investigate if iron deficiency at the time of colorectal cancer diagnosis has an influence on fatigue, quality of life, cognition and physical ability.

Around 60% of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients suffer from iron deficiency at the time of diagnosis. The study hypothesis is that, besides leading to anemia, iron deficiency might be associated with impaired patient report outcomes in the domains of fatigue, quality of life, cognitive impairment and lower physical ability. No previous studies on colorectal cancer patients and iron deficiency are available.

The participants (patients suspected of colorectal cancer after endoscopy) will be tested on these parameters. The participants and the investigators are blinded to the patients iron status. The study takes place before any preoperative iron treatment. Multivariate analysis will be used taking into account, gender, age, hemoglobin, tumor stage.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients in whom endoscopy has raised suspicion of colorectal malignancy

Exclusion Criteria:

• non fluent in Danish language
• cerebral impairment (ex severe dementia) so that informed consent can not be obtained

see inclusion criteria