Symptoms and patient factors associated with longer time to diagnosis for colorectal cancer: results from a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The objective of this study is to investigate symptoms, clinical factors and socio-demographic factors associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and time to diagnosis.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of participants referred for suspicion of CRC in two English regions. Data were collected using a patient questionnaire, primary care and hospital records. Descriptive and regression analyses examined associations between symptoms and patient factors with total diagnostic interval (TDI), patient interval (PI), health system interval (HSI) and stage.

Results

A total of 2677 (22%) participants responded; after exclusions, 2507 remained. Participants were diagnosed with CRC (6.1%, 56% late stage), other cancers (2.0%) or no cancer (91.9%). Half the cohort

SUBMITTER: Walter FM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4997546 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature