Factors involved in gastrointestinal bleeding in advanced cancer patients followed at home

Abstract There is a lack of information on the frequency of symptomatic gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with advanced cancer. This group of patients presents several risk factors for developing gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this multicenter longitudinal survey was to assess the frequency of gastrointestinal bleeding and possible factors implicated in advanced cancer patients followed at home. A consecutive sample of 439 patients who referred to home palliative care program entered the study. Age, gender, primary cancer and known metastases, possible associated pathologies, history of peptic disease, use of previous or actual nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and st…