TF and anemia (phenotype): The study included patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer scheduled for elective tumor resection surgery with an expected waiting period of at least 3weeks.Adults with anemia (defined as hemoglobin below 130 g/l) and iron deficiency (indicated by ferritin levels below 30 μg/l or in the range of 30 to 100 μg/l with transferrin saturation below 20%) were considered for participation