Treatment delay in rectal cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Early diagnosis of rectal cancer is critical for effective treatment and improved patient prognosis.
• Limited data exists on factors contributing to diagnostic and treatment delays in rectal cancer.
• Establishing benchmarks for diagnosis and treatment timelines is essential for standardizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors contributing to delays in rectal cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• To analyze the correlation between disease stage and waiting times for diagnosis and treatment.
• To assess the relationship between symptom duration and treatment timelines.

Main Methods:

• A five-year retrospective audit was conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
• Data from 137 rectal cancer patients were analyzed.
• Key metrics included time to diagnosis, time from diagnosis to surgery, and symptom duration.

Main Results:

• The median time to diagnosis after initial consultation was 9 days (mean 18.7 days), with 11% experiencing delays exceeding four weeks.
• The median time from diagnosis confirmation to surgery was 11 days (mean 18.6 days), with 62% operated within two weeks.
• Long colonoscopy waiting times were the primary cause of diagnostic delays, while delayed staging CT scans led to treatment delays.

Conclusions:

• Long waiting times for colonoscopy and staging CT scans significantly impact the timeliness of rectal cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Addressing these specific logistical challenges is vital for reducing delays and improving patient care pathways.
• Standardizing and optimizing diagnostic and staging procedures can lead to prompt surgical intervention.