Abstract
A prospective study was performed of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC), distinguishing between colonic and rectal location, to determine the factors that may provoke a delay in the first treatment (DFT) provided.2749 patients diagnosed with CRC were studied. The study population was recruited between June 2010 and December 2012. DFT is defined as time elapsed between diagnosis and first treatment exceeding 30 days.Excessive treatment delay was recorded in 65.5% of the cases, and was more prevalent among rectal cancer patients. Independent predictor variables of DFT in colon cancer patients were a low level of education, small tumour, ex-smoker, asymptomatic at diagnosis and following the application of screening. Among rectal cancer patients, the corresponding factors were primary school education and being asymptomatic.We conclude that treatment delay in CRC patients is affected not only by clinicopathological factors, but also by sociocultural ones. Greater attention should be paid by the healthcare provider to social groups with less formal education, in order to optimise treatment attention.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem, with major impact on morbidity and mortality
A prospective study was performed of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC), distinguishing between colonic and rectal location, to determine the factors that may provoke a delay in the first treatment (DFT) provided
Taking into account the dearth of prospective studies designed to analyse treatment delay, with large cohorts of patients and distinguishing between colonic and rectal tumours, in this study we evaluate the degree to which treatment delay is influenced by the sociodemographic conditions of patients and by the clinical and pathological characteristics of the tumour
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem, with major impact on morbidity and mortality. It is the second most prevalent malignancy worldwide, and is second in incidence and mortality in most developed countries. While some studies indicate that treatment delay negatively affects the prognosis of patients with cancer, CRC, others have found no such association [3, 4]. It has been reported that delay is often attributable to tumour factors such as clinical stage and location, and to the health system, such as hospital admission procedures. Taking into account the dearth of prospective studies designed to analyse treatment delay, with large cohorts of patients and distinguishing between colonic and rectal tumours, in this study we evaluate the degree to which treatment delay is influenced by the sociodemographic conditions of patients and by the clinical and pathological characteristics of the tumour
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