Factors affecting delay in diagnosis in patients with colorectal cancer

The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting delay in diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). We analyzed 80 patients with CRC. They were divided into two matched groups of 40 patients: group without complications in time of diagnosis and group with present complications in time of diagnosis. In group without complications average patient related delay (PRD) was 1,23 +/- 0,35 month. Doctor related delay (DRD) was 1,19 +/- 0,92 month. Overall delay in diagnosis was 2,42 +/- 1,27 months. In group with complications average PRD was 11,37 +/- 5,68 months and DRD was 0,6 +/- 0,08 month. Overall delay in diagnosis was 11,97 +/- ,76 months. There was highly statistically important difference in PRD and DRD between these two compares groups (p < 0,001). Higher importance should be put on weight loss, intermitent abdominal pain, change in bowel habits as well as on syderopenic anemia in everyday medical praxis.