Delay in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
Investigation of factors affecting the speed of diagnosis, referral and treatment of 113 patients with colorectal cancer shows that failure to examine the patient was significantly associated with delay. Patients who were not given a rectal or abdominal examination at their first medical consultation experienced considerably more delay in being referred for specialist opinion. Factors affecting the decision to examine are described.
D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013997:Time Factors