title: Early diagnosis in colorectal cancer still no benefit?
abstract: Delay to diagnosis from first symptom has been assessed in 332 patients with colorectal cancer treated by the three general surgeons in Trafford Health Authority. Delay was divided into three parts; that due to (a) the patient, (b) the general practitioner and (c) the hospital. There was no significant difference in delay between Dukes stage B and C patients but there was a significant difference in survival at two years between these two stages. Delay for patients with risk factors as family histories or diverticular disease was not significantly different to patients without these factors. When compared to other series delay has been shortened, particularly general practitioner and hospital delay. Fewer patients presented as emergencies and a greater proportion of patients had disease at an earlier stage. However, these favourable aspects are not reflected in an improved survival at 2 years.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ratcliffe
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Kiff
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Hoare
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Kingston
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jeacock
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D013997:Time Factors