title: Relationship between the 'two-week rule' and colorectal cancer diagnosis.
abstract: This literature review explored the relationship between the 'two-week rule' (TWR) and the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The Cochrane Review, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), NHS Evidence and Medline databases were searched and produced 12 relevant studies. Since the introduction of the TWR, the CRC detection rate has been poor and there appears to be disagreement in the literature regarding the efficacy of the TWR to detect CRC at an earlier disease stage. There have also been variations in the use of the TWR guidelines by GPs. These factors may lead to poor outcomes for patients with CRC.
authors.affiliation: Matron for Surgical Outpatients at St George's Healthcare NHS Trust, London.
authors.forename: Doreen
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mangion
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brennan
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Colorectal cancer; Dukes’ staging; Early diagnosis; GP referral; Survival rates; Two-week rule