Factors Influencing Stage at Diagnosis in Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Zafar S Yousuf, Amy P Abernethy, David H Abbott, Steven C Grambow, Jennifer E Marcello, James E Herndon II, Krista L Rowe, Jane T Kolimaga, Leah L Zullig, Meenal B Patwardhan, Dawn T Provenzale
Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center
Hypothesis
How do comorbidity, race, and age influence the stage of colorectal cancer diagnosis?
Conclusion
Higher comorbidity may lead to earlier stage of colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- 342 VA and 340 FFS patients were included in the study.
- VA patients had a mean age of 67 and a Charlson index of 2.0.
- FFS patients had a mean age of 61 and a Charlson index of 1.6.
- Higher comorbidity was associated with earlier stage at diagnosis in the VA cohort.
Takeaway
Patients with more health problems might get diagnosed with colorectal cancer earlier because they see doctors more often.
Methodology
Retrospective analysis of colorectal cancer patients from two healthcare systems using logistic regression.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to differences in healthcare access and treatment between the two cohorts.
Limitations
The study did not address asymptomatic screening and relied on the Charlson comorbidity index, which may not capture all relevant comorbid conditions.
Participant Demographics
VA cohort was older, predominantly male, and had a higher burden of comorbid illnesses compared to the FFS cohort.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.045
Confidence Interval
0.58–1.00
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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