Clinical Features of Colorectal Cancer Before Diagnosis
Author Information
Author(s): W Hamilton, A Round, D Sharp, T J Peters
Primary Institution: University of Bristol
Hypothesis
What are the prediagnostic features of colorectal cancer in a primary care setting?
Conclusion
The study identified 10 symptoms and signs associated with colorectal cancer, which can help in earlier diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Rectal bleeding had a positive predictive value of 2.4%.
- Weight loss had a positive predictive value of 1.2%.
- Abdominal pain had a positive predictive value of 1.1%.
- Diarrhoea had a positive predictive value of 0.94%.
- Constipation had a positive predictive value of 0.42%.
- Abnormal rectal examination had a positive predictive value of 4.0%.
- Haemoglobin <10.0 g/dl had a positive predictive value of 2.3%.
- Positive faecal occult bloods had a positive predictive value of 7.1%.
Takeaway
Doctors can look for certain signs and symptoms to catch colorectal cancer earlier, which can help save lives.
Methodology
This was a population-based case–control study involving 349 colorectal cancer patients and 1744 matched controls, analyzing medical records for 2 years prior to diagnosis.
Potential Biases
There may be variations in symptom recording between different practices, potentially affecting the results.
Limitations
The study only included patients who consulted a doctor, which may not reflect the general population's symptom frequency.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 40 years or older, with a mix of genders and various stages of colorectal cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
(1.9, 3.2)
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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