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Pennisi F, Buzzoni C, Russo AG, Gervasi F, Braga M, Renzi C. Comorbidities, Socioeconomic Status, and Colorectal Cancer Diagnostic Route. JAMA Netw Open 2025; 8:e258867. [PMID: 40327340 PMCID: PMC12056571 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.8867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Importance Reducing emergency cancer diagnoses is a public health priority, as they are associated with worse outcomes. Preexisting chronic conditions can influence screening participation and emergency cancer diagnosis; however, evidence is mixed, and data from Southern Europe are scant. Objective To examine variations in the likelihood of colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis following an emergency presentation (EP) or screening by patient comorbidity status and socioeconomic characteristics and to investigate the association of patient characteristics, diagnostic route, and comorbidity status with short-term CRC mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based cohort study used linked cancer registry data and administrative health data from the Agency for Health Protection of Milan, Italy, for CRC cases diagnosed between July 1, 2014, and December 31, 2020, in the provinces of Milan and Lodi, Italy. Data were analyzed from January 1 to October 1, 2024. Exposures Comorbidity status (number of comorbidities, specific preexisting comorbidities) and socioeconomic characteristics (including age, sex, and deprivation index). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were routes to cancer diagnosis (screening, emergency presentation, or inpatient or outpatient visits), cancer stage at diagnosis, and short-term mortality (30 days and 1 year). Multivariable and multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for socioeconomic and comorbidity factors. Results Among 14 457 patients, 10 750 (74.4%) had colon cancer and 3707 (25.6%) had rectal cancer. The route to diagnosis was reconstructed for 10 514 patients with colon cancer (97.8%; median age, 73.1 years [IQR, 66-82 years]; 5563 [52.9%] male) and 3635 with rectal cancer (98.1%; median age, 70.3 years [IQR, 62-80 years]; 2079 [57.2%] male). Of those, 4697 patients with colon cancer (44.6%) and 2094 with rectal cancer (57.6%) had comorbidities, emergency diagnosis occurred in 3738 colon (35.6%) and 823 rectal (22.6%) cancer cases, and diagnosis while screening occurred in 881 colon (8.4%) and 347 rectal (9.5%) cancer cases. Emergency diagnosis was associated with having cerebrovascular (adjusted OR [AOR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.23-1.82) and neurological (AOR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.33-2.09) diseases or having 3 or more comorbidities compared with having none (AOR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.47-2.16) among patients with colon cancer. Having 3 or more vs no comorbidities was associated with lower odds of screening-detected colon cancer (AOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45-0.91). Higher 30-day (AOR, 4.84; 95% CI, 2.81-8.33) and 1-year (AOR, 2.77; 95% CI, 2.17- 3.53) mortality was associated with emergency presentation. The COVID-19 period was associated with higher odds of emergency diagnoses compared with the prepandemic period (AOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.15-1.52). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of patients with CRC in Italy, emergency diagnosis occurred for more than 1 in 3 patients with colon cancer. Having 3 or more comorbidities was associated with a lower likelihood of screening detection and higher odds of emergency diagnosis. Tailored interventions are needed to facilitate screening, to reduce emergency cancer diagnoses, and to improve outcomes for patients with chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Pennisi
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- PhD National Programme in One Health Approaches to Infectious Diseases and Life Science Research, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Epidemiology Unit, Agency for Health Protection of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlotta Buzzoni
- Epidemiology Unit, Agency for Health Protection of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Federico Gervasi
- Epidemiology Unit, Agency for Health Protection of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Braga
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Renzi
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Pujadas Botey A, Watson AJ, Robson PJ. Improving colorectal cancer in Alberta, Canada: a qualitative study of patients and close contacts' perceptions on diagnosis following an emergency department presentation. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1032. [PMID: 39238031 PMCID: PMC11378599 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is globally the third most prevalent cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In Alberta, Canada, a significant portion of CRC diagnoses occur following emergency department (ED) presentations. Gaps remain in understanding patient's perspectives on CRC diagnosis after an ED visit. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences and perspectives of a group of patients diagnosed with CRC subsequent to an ED visit in Alberta and their close contacts. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with patients diagnosed with CRC after an ED visit at the Rockyview General Hospital, Calgary, and their close contacts, from November 2022 to June 2023. Interviews focused on symptom recognition, healthcare interactions, and the decision-making process leading to an ED visit. They were conducted in-person or over the phone, and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Eighteen participants (12 patients and 6 close contacts) were interviewed, revealing four main themes: (1) variability in symptom recognition and interpretation; (2) inconsistencies in primary care consultations; (3) factors influencing decision-making leading to an ED visit; and (4) recommendations for expedited diagnosis outside of EDs. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the complexity of the diagnostic journey for CRC patients in Alberta, pointing to significant gaps in symptom recognition and response by patients and healthcare providers. Improved diagnostic protocols and targeted support for healthcare providers, as well as approaches to address systemic delays may help streamline the diagnostic journey. Future research should focus on exploring innovative interventions to address the identified barriers to timely CRC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pujadas Botey
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, 1403 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada.
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Ashley J Watson
- Unit 83, Alberta Health Services, Rockyview General Hospital, 7007 14 St SW, Calgary, AB, T2V 1P9, Canada
| | - Paula J Robson
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, 10030 107 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3E4, Canada
- Cancer Research & Analytics, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, 10030 107 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3E4, Canada
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Mitchell RJ, Delaney GP, Arnolda G, Liauw W, Lystad RP, Braithwaite J. Survival of patients who had cancer diagnosed through an emergency hospital admission: A retrospective matched case-comparison study in Australia. Cancer Epidemiol 2024; 91:102584. [PMID: 38772062 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2024.102584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals diagnosed with cancer via emergency admission are likely to have poor outcomes. This study aims to identify cancer diagnosed through an emergency hospital admission and examine predictors associated with mortality within 12-months. METHOD A population-based retrospective 1:1 propensity-matched case-comparison study of people who had an emergency versus a planned hospital admission with a principal diagnosis of cancer during 2013-2020 in New South Wales, Australia using linked hospital, cancer registry and mortality records. Conditional logistic regression examined predictors of mortality at 12-months. RESULTS There were 28,502 matched case-comparisons. Individuals who had an emergency admission were four times more likely to die within 12-months (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.93; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 3.75-4.13) compared to individuals who had a planned admission for cancer. Older individuals, diagnosed with lung (OR 1.89; 95 %CI 1.36-2.63) or digestive organ, excluding colorectal (OR1.78; 95 %CI 1.30-2.43) cancers, where the degree of spread was metastatic (OR 3.61; 95 %CI 2.62-4.50), who had a mental disorder diagnosis (OR 2.08; 95 %CI 1.89-2.30), lived in rural (OR 1.27; 95 %CI 1.17-1.37) or more disadvantaged neighbourhoods had a higher likelihood of death within 12-months following an unplanned admission compared to referent groups. Females (OR 0.87; 95 %CI 0.81-0.93) had an 13 % lower likelihood of mortality within 12-months compared to males. CONCLUSIONS While some emergency cancer admissions are not avoidable, the importance of preventive screening and promotion of help-seeking for early cancer symptoms should not be overlooked as mechanisms to reduce emergency admissions related to cancer and to improve cancer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Mitchell
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey P Delaney
- Maridulu Budyari Gumal - Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE), UNSW, Sydney, Australia; Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes Research and Evaluation, South-Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, Australia; University of New South Wales School of Clinical Medicine, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gaston Arnolda
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Winston Liauw
- University of New South Wales School of Clinical Medicine, Sydney, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia
| | - Reidar P Lystad
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Grudza M, Salinel B, Zeien S, Murphy M, Adkins J, Jensen CT, Bay C, Kodibagkar V, Koo P, Dragovich T, Choti MA, Kundranda M, Syeda-Mahmood T, Wang HZ, Chang J. Methods for improving colorectal cancer annotation efficiency for artificial intelligence-observer training. World J Radiol 2023; 15:359-369. [PMID: 38179201 PMCID: PMC10762523 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v15.i12.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Missing occult cancer lesions accounts for the most diagnostic errors in retrospective radiology reviews as early cancer can be small or subtle, making the lesions difficult to detect. Second-observer is the most effective technique for reducing these events and can be economically implemented with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). AIM To achieve appropriate AI model training, a large annotated dataset is necessary to train the AI models. Our goal in this research is to compare two methods for decreasing the annotation time to establish ground truth: Skip-slice annotation and AI-initiated annotation. METHODS We developed a 2D U-Net as an AI second observer for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) and an ensemble of 5 differently initiated 2D U-Net for ensemble technique. Each model was trained with 51 cases of annotated CRC computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis, tested with 7 cases, and validated with 20 cases from The Cancer Imaging Archive cases. The sensitivity, false positives per case, and estimated Dice coefficient were obtained for each method of training. We compared the two methods of annotations and the time reduction associated with the technique. The time differences were tested using Friedman's two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS Sparse annotation significantly reduces the time for annotation particularly skipping 2 slices at a time (P < 0.001). Reduction of up to 2/3 of the annotation does not reduce AI model sensitivity or false positives per case. Although initializing human annotation with AI reduces the annotation time, the reduction is minimal, even when using an ensemble AI to decrease false positives. CONCLUSION Our data support the sparse annotation technique as an efficient technique for reducing the time needed to establish the ground truth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Grudza
- School of Biological Health and Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Brandon Salinel
- Department of Radiology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ 85234, United States
| | - Sarah Zeien
- School of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ 85206, United States
| | - Matthew Murphy
- School of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ 85206, United States
| | - Jake Adkins
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Corey T Jensen
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, University Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Curtis Bay
- Department of Interdisciplinary Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ 85206, United States
| | - Vikram Kodibagkar
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Phillip Koo
- Department of Radiology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ 85234, United States
| | - Tomislav Dragovich
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ 85234, United States
| | - Michael A Choti
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ 85234, United States
| | - Madappa Kundranda
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ 85234, United States
| | | | - Hong-Zhi Wang
- IBM Almaden Research Center, IBM, San Jose, CA 95120, United States
| | - John Chang
- Department of Radiology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ 85234, United States
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Delamare Fauvel A, Bischof JJ, Reinbolt RE, Weihing VK, Boyer EW, Caterino JM, Wang HE. Diagnosis of cancer in the Emergency Department: A scoping review. Cancer Med 2023; 12:8710-8728. [PMID: 36622062 PMCID: PMC10134283 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Emergency Department (ED) plays a key role in the identification and care of acute medical conditions, including cancer. In this scoping review, we aimed to determine the role of the ED in the acute diagnosis of cancer. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of articles according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using PubMed and Google Scholar. We screened studies of adults with a new diagnosis of cancer in the ED. We included randomized control trials, prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional observational studies, and case reports published in English since 2000. We grouped the articles into categories based on their objectives and findings. RESULTS Of the 4459 articles, we included 47 in the review. The identified studies fell into three major categories: (1) studies describing the incidental diagnosis of cancer in the ED (n = 11, 23%), (2) studies characterizing the acute initial presentation of cancer in the ED (n = 19, 41%), and (3) studies describing the ED as a pathway to cancer diagnosis in the healthcare system (n = 17, 36%). Across the studies, cancer diagnoses in the ED were more likely in patients with higher comorbidities, occurred at later stages, and resulted in worse survival rates. CONCLUSIONS The ED plays a prominent role in the initial diagnosis of cancer. Efforts must be made to integrate the ED within the cancer care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Delamare Fauvel
- Department of Emergency MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Emergency DepartmentRouen University HospitalRouenFrance
| | - Jason J. Bischof
- Department of Emergency MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | | | - Veronica K. Weihing
- McGovern Medical SchoolThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Edward W. Boyer
- Department of Emergency MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | | | - Henry E. Wang
- Department of Emergency MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
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Hout MC, Papesh MH, Masadeh S, Sandin H, Walenchok SC, Post P, Madrid J, White B, Pinto JDG, Welsh J, Goode D, Skulsky R, Rodriguez MC. The Oddity Detection in Diverse Scenes (ODDS) database: Validated real-world scenes for studying anomaly detection. Behav Res Methods 2023; 55:583-599. [PMID: 35353316 PMCID: PMC8966608 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-022-01816-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Many applied screening tasks (e.g., medical image or baggage screening) involve challenging searches for which standard laboratory search is rarely equivalent. For example, whereas laboratory search frequently requires observers to look for precisely defined targets among isolated, non-overlapping images randomly arrayed on clean backgrounds, medical images present unspecified targets in noisy, yet spatially regular scenes. Those unspecified targets are typically oddities, elements that do not belong. To develop a closer laboratory analogue to this, we created a database of scenes containing subtle, ill-specified "oddity" targets. These scenes have similar perceptual densities and spatial regularities to those found in expert search tasks, and each includes 16 variants of the unedited scene wherein an oddity (a subtle deformation of the scene) is hidden. In Experiment 1, eight volunteers searched thousands of scene variants for an oddity. Regardless of their search accuracy, they were then shown the highlighted anomaly and rated its subtlety. Subtlety ratings reliably predicted search performance (accuracy and response times) and did so better than image statistics. In Experiment 2, we conducted a conceptual replication in which a larger group of naïve searchers scanned subsets of the scene variants. Prior subtlety ratings reliably predicted search outcomes. Whereas medical image targets are difficult for naïve searchers to detect, our database contains thousands of interior and exterior scenes that vary in difficulty, but are nevertheless searchable by novices. In this way, the stimuli will be useful for studying visual search as it typically occurs in expert domains: Ill-specified search for anomalies in noisy displays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Hout
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA.
- National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA, USA.
| | - Megan H Papesh
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Saleem Masadeh
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Hailey Sandin
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | | | - Phillip Post
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Jessica Madrid
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Bryan White
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | | | - Julian Welsh
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Dre Goode
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Rebecca Skulsky
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Mariana Cazares Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001 / MSC 3452, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
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Simanke CD, DaCás E, Bussyguin DS, Belizário AC, de Alencar ED, Tomasich FDS, Skare T, Nisihara R. Presentation Patterns and Outcomes in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Seeking the Emergency Department for Consultation. JOURNAL OF COLOPROCTOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background Patients with colorectal cancer may seek the emergency department for symptoms related to chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects as well as those from the disease itself and from surgery complications.
Objectives To establish the epidemiological and clinical profile of colorectal cancer patients that look for consultations in the emergency department.
Methods Retrospective study of emergency room charts from colorectal cancer patients that consulted in a single oncological hospital for the period of 1 year.
Results Four hundred and forty-six consultations were identified (49.5% males and 50.5% females) with a mean age of 63 years and with advanced disease (most with tumor, node, metastases [TNM] stages III and IV). The most common complaint was abdominal pain (27.5%), followed by nausea (4.7%; more commonly seen in females with p = 0.03) and bladder symptoms (4.7%; more commonly seen in males, with p = 0.003). Infections (10.3%) and acute abdominal pain (9.1%) were the most frequent diagnoses. About 18% of them were admitted to the hospital and 80% were discharged home.
Conclusion The profile of patients with colorectal cancer seeking the emergency department comprises patients with advanced disease and a similar proportion of males and females. Symptom-driven complaints were the most frequent reason for consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo DaCás
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Flavio D. S. Tomasich
- Department of Surgery, Abdominal Surgery Unit, Hospital Erasto Gaertner, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Thelma Skare
- Department of Medicine, Mackenzie Evangelical School of Medicine, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Renato Nisihara
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Mackenzie Evangelical School of Medicine, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Esteva M, Leiva A, Ramos-Monserrat M, Espí A, González-Luján L, Macià F, Murta-Nascimento C, Sánchez-Calavera MA, Magallón R, Balboa-Barreiro V, Seoane-Pillado T, Pertega-Díaz S. Relationship between time from symptom's onset to diagnosis and prognosis in patients with symptomatic colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:910. [PMID: 35996104 PMCID: PMC9394014 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09990-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the relationship of the outcome of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with the time from symptom onset to diagnosis. The aim of this study is to investigate this association, with the assumption that this relationship was nonlinear and with adjustment for multiple confounders, such as tumor grade, symptoms, or admission to an emergency department. METHODS This multicenter study with prospective follow-up was performed in five regions of Spain from 2010 to 2012. Symptomatic cases of incident CRC from a previous study were examined. At the time of diagnosis, each patient was interviewed, and the associated hospital and clinical records were reviewed. During follow-up, the clinical records were reviewed again to assess survival. Cox survival analysis with a restricted cubic spline was used to model overall and CRC-specific survival, with adjustment for variables related to the patient, health service, and tumor. RESULTS A total of 795 patients had symptomatic CRC and 769 of them had complete data on diagnostic delay and survival. Univariate analysis indicated a lower HR for death in patients who had diagnostic intervals less than 4.2 months. However, after adjustment for variables related to the patient, tumor, and utilized health service, there was no relationship of the diagnostic delay with survival of patients with colon and rectal cancer, colon cancer alone, or rectal cancer alone. Cubic spline analysis indicated an inverse association of the diagnostic delay with 5-year survival. However, this association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that the duration of diagnostic delay had no significant effect on the outcome of patients with CRC. We suggest that the most important determinant of the duration of diagnostic delay is the biological profile of the tumor. However, it remains the responsibility of community health centers and authorities to minimize diagnostic delays in patients with CRC and to implement initiatives that improve early diagnosis and provide better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Esteva
- Department of Primary Care, Primary Care Research Unit, Majorca, Baleares Health Service [IbSalut]. Escola Graduada 3, 07001, Palma, Spain. .,Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), University Hospital Son Espases, Edificio S, Carretera de Valldemossa, 79, 07120, Palma, Majorca, Spain. .,Preventive Activities and Health Promotion Research Network (REDIAPP), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alfonso Leiva
- Department of Primary Care, Primary Care Research Unit, Majorca, Baleares Health Service [IbSalut]. Escola Graduada 3, 07001, Palma, Spain.,Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), University Hospital Son Espases, Edificio S, Carretera de Valldemossa, 79, 07120, Palma, Majorca, Spain.,Preventive Activities and Health Promotion Research Network (REDIAPP), Barcelona, Spain.,Research Network On Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS) , Madrid, Spain.,University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Carretera de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - María Ramos-Monserrat
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), University Hospital Son Espases, Edificio S, Carretera de Valldemossa, 79, 07120, Palma, Majorca, Spain.,Preventive Activities and Health Promotion Research Network (REDIAPP), Barcelona, Spain.,Research Network On Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS) , Madrid, Spain.,Balearic Islands Public Health Department, C/ Jesus 38A, 07010, Palma, Spain
| | - Alejandro Espí
- Department of Surgery, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis González-Luján
- Serrería II Primary Care Centre, Valencia Institute of Health, Pedro de Valencia 26, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francesc Macià
- Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - María A Sánchez-Calavera
- Department of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Building A, 50009, Saragossa, Spain.,Las Fuentes Norte Health Center, Calle Dr. Iranzo 69, 50002, Saragossa, Spain
| | - Rosa Magallón
- University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Carretera de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Building A, 50009, Saragossa, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Saragossa, Spain.,Centro de Salud Arrabal, Andador Aragüés del Puerto, 3, 50015, Saragossa, Spain
| | - Vanesa Balboa-Barreiro
- Nursing and Healthcare Research Group, Rheumatology and Health Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas. Universidade da Coruña (UDC), As Xubias, 15006. A, Coruña, Spain
| | - Teresa Seoane-Pillado
- Nursing and Healthcare Research Group, Rheumatology and Health Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas. Universidade da Coruña (UDC), As Xubias, 15006. A, Coruña, Spain
| | - Sonia Pertega-Díaz
- Nursing and Healthcare Research Group, Rheumatology and Health Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas. Universidade da Coruña (UDC), As Xubias, 15006. A, Coruña, Spain
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Guan Z, Webber C, Flemming JA, Mavor ME, Whitehead M, Chen BE, Groome PA. Real-world colorectal cancer diagnostic pathways in Ontario, Canada: A population-based study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13603. [PMID: 35502982 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnostic pathways and describe patients in those pathway groups. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of CRC patients in Ontario, Canada, diagnosed 2009-2012 that used linked administrative data at ICES. We used cluster analysis on 11 pathway variables characterising patient presentation, symptoms, procedures and referrals. We assessed associations between patient- and disease-related characteristics and diagnostic pathway group. We further characterised the pathways by diagnostic interval and number of related physician visits. RESULTS Six diagnostic pathways were identified, with three adhering to provincial diagnostic guidelines: screening (N = 4494), colonoscopy (N = 10,066) and imaging plus colonoscopy (N = 3427). Non-adherent pathways were imaging alone (N = 2238), imaging and emergency presentation (N = 2849) and no pre-diagnostic workup (N = 887). Patients in adherent pathways were younger, had fewer comorbidities, lived in less deprived areas and had earlier stage disease. The median diagnostic interval length varied across pathways from 12 to 126 days, correlating with the number of CRC-related visits. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated substantial variations in real-world CRC diagnostic pathways and 25% were diagnosed through non-adherent pathways. Those patients were older, had more comorbid disease and had higher stage cancer. Further research needs to identify and describe the reasons for divergent diagnostic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Guan
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen Webber
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Flemming
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,ICES Queen's, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meaghan E Mavor
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Bingshu E Chen
- Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG), Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patti A Groome
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,ICES Queen's, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Abdel-Rahman O, Tang PA, Ghosh S, Scarfe A. Patterns of emergency department visits preceding colorectal cancer diagnosis: a population-based study. J Comp Eff Res 2022; 11:311-318. [PMID: 35189709 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2021-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To assess the patterns of emergency department (ED) visits in the 3 months preceding a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a real-world, population-based context. Materials & methods: Linked provincial registries in Alberta, Canada, were accessed and patients with CRC diagnosed between 2004 and 2018 were identified. The National Ambulatory Care reporting system was used to identify patients who visited an ED within 3 months of a diagnosis of CRC. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with any ED visits as well as frequent (≥3) ED visits. Results: A total of 25,310 patients with CRC were included in the current study. These include 10,126 patients (40%) who had at least one visit to the ED in the 3 months before a diagnosis of CRC diagnosis and 613 patients (2.4%) who visited the ED multiple (≥3) times. The following factors were associated with any visit to an ED: older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.010; 95% CI: 1.008-1.012), female gender (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.16-1.30), higher comorbidity index (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.35-1.41), metastatic disease (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 2.23-2.53), proximal tumors (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.50-1.68) and North zone (OR vs south zone: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.55-1.98). Conclusion: It is not uncommon for CRC patients to visit the ED at least once in the 3 months prior to having such a diagnosis. Factors associated with frequent pre diagnosis emergency visits included female gender, higher burden of comorbid disease, advanced stage, proximal tumors and living in the North zone of Alberta (where there is limited access to specialist care).
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G1Z2, Canada
| | - Patricia A Tang
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2, Canada
| | - Sunita Ghosh
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G1Z2, Canada
| | - Andrew Scarfe
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G1Z2, Canada
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Cubiella J, Lorenzo M, Baiocchi F, Tejido C, Conde A, Sande-Meijide M, Castro M. Impact of a colorectal cancer screening program implantation on delays and prognosis of non-screening detected colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6689-6700. [PMID: 34754161 PMCID: PMC8554396 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i39.6689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The implementation of a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme may increase the awareness of Primary Care Physicians, reduce the diagnostic delay in CRC detected outside the scope of the screening programme and thus improve prognosis.
AIM To determine the effect of implementation of a CRC screening programme on diagnostic delays and prognosis of CRC detected outside the scope of a screening programme.
METHODS We performed a retrospective intervention study with a pre-post design. We identified 322 patients with incident and confirmed CRC in the pre-implantation cohort (June 2014 – May 2015) and 285 in the post-implantation cohort (June 2017 - May 2018) in the Cancer Registry detected outside the scope of a CRC screening programme. In each patient we calculated the different healthcare diagnostics delays: global, primary and secondary healthcare, referral and colonoscopy-related delays. In addition, we collected the initial healthcare that evaluated the patient, the home location (urban/rural), and the CRC stage at diagnosis. We determined the two-year survival and we performed a multivariate proportional hazard regression analysis to determine the variables associated with survival.
RESULTS We did not detect any differences in the patient or CRC baseline-related variables. A total of 20.1% of patients was detected with metastatic disease. There was a significant increase in direct referral to colonoscopy from primary healthcare (25.5%, 35.8%; P = 0.04) in the post-implantation cohort. Diagnostic delay was reduced by 24 d (106.64 ± 148.84 days, 82.84 ± 109.31 d; P = 0.02) due to the reduction in secondary healthcare delay (46.01 ± 111.65 d; 29.20 ± 60.83 d; P = 0.02). However, we did not find any differences in CRC stage at diagnosis or in two-year survival (70.3%; P = 0.9). Variables independently associated with two-year risk of death were age (Hazard Ratio-HR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.04-1.07), CRC stage (II HR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.07-4.40; III HR: 3.07, 95%CI: 1.56-6.08; IV HR: 19.22, 95%CI: 9.86-37.44; unknown HR: 9.24, 95%CI: 4.27-19.99), initial healthcare consultation (secondary HR: 2.93, 95%CI: 1.01-8.55; emergency department HR: 2.06, 95%CI: 0.67-6.34), hospitalization during the diagnostic process (HR: 1.67, 95%CI: 1.17-2.38) and urban residence (HR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.06-1.98).
CONCLUSION Although implementation of a CRC screening programme can reduce diagnostic delays for CRC detected in symptomatic patients, this has no effect on CRC stage or survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Cubiella
- Department of Gastroenterology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense 32005, Orense, Spain
| | - María Lorenzo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense 32003, Orense, Spain
| | - Franco Baiocchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital del Bierzo, Ponferrada 24404, Leon, Spain
| | - Coral Tejido
- Department of Gastroenterology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense 32005, Orense, Spain
| | - Alejandro Conde
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense 32003, Orense, Spain
| | - María Sande-Meijide
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense 32003, Orense, Spain
| | - Margarita Castro
- Dirección Xeral de Saúde Pública, Conselleria de Sanidade, Santiago de Compostela 15703, Spain
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Zattoni D, Christoforidis D. How best to palliate and treat emergency conditions in geriatric patients with colorectal cancer. Eur J Surg Oncol 2020; 46:369-378. [PMID: 31973923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2019.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost one third of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are diagnosed in an emergency setting, mostly among geriatric patients. Clinical scenarios are often complex and decision making delicate. Besides the obvious need to consider the patient's and/or family and care givers' desires, the surgeon should be able to make the best educated guess on future outcomes in three areas: oncological prognosis, morbidity and mortality risk, and long-term functional loss. Using simple and brief tools for frailty screening reasonable treatment goals with curative or palliative intent can be planned. The most frequent clinical scenarios of CRC in emergency are bowel obstruction and perforation. We propose treatment algorithms based on assessment of the patient's overall reserve and discuss the indications, techniques and impact of a stoma in the geriatric patient. Bridge to surgery strategies may be best adapted to help the frail geriatric patient overcome the acute disease and maybe return to previous state of function. Post-operative morbidity and mortality rates are high in emergency surgery for CRC, but if the geriatric patient survives the post-operative period, oncological prognosis seems to be similar to younger patients. Because the occurrence of complications is the strongest predictor of functional decline and death, post-operative care plays a major role to optimize outcomes. Future studies should further investigate emergency surgery of CRC in the older adults focusing in particular on functional outcomes in order to help physicians counsel patients and families for a tailored treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Zattoni
- Department of General Surgery, Ospedale per gli Infermi di Faenza, Viale Stradone 9, 48018, Faenza, Italy.
| | - Dimitri Christoforidis
- Department of General Surgery, Ospedale Civico di Lugano, Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland; Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Rue du Bugnon 21, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Esteva M, Ruidíaz M, Sánchez MA, Pértega S, Pita-Fernández S, Macià F, Posso M, González-Luján L, Boscá-Wats MM, Leiva A, Ripoll J. Correction: Emergency presentation of colorectal patients in Spain. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207143. [PMID: 30388189 PMCID: PMC6214565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203556.].
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