A photograph of a doctor doing administrative work as a BBC investigation finds that GP lists are closed

1 in 5 Bowel Cancer Patients Could be Diagnosed Earlier

The British Journal of Cancer has suggested that one in five bowel cancer patients who receive an emergency diagnosis had symptoms that should have been picked up earlier.

The study looked at diagnoses data in England from 2005 to 2006 and found that 16% of emergency patients had seen their GP with relevant symptoms, three or more times.

The researches from the University College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine looked at the medical history of patients diagnosed with cancer.

They analysed National Cancer Registry data and focused on what happened to 1,606 patients across 200 GP practices in the UK, during the five years before their diagnosis.

The study found that 35% of colon cancers and 15% of rectal cancers we emergency diagnosis.

The research found that many patients didn’t always have obvious symptoms of bowel cancer, so it would be harder for their GP to diagnose them early. However, up to 23% of patients did display “red flag” symptoms such as rectal bleeding, blood in stools, a change in bowel movements and stomach pains.

The research says the figures show there could have been opportunities to diagnose the disease earlier. It continued to say that access to special advice for GPs was important.

Cristina Renzi, lead researcher from University College London, told the BBC that patients diagnosed with cancer after an emergency presentation did not fare as well as patients diagnosed by their GP.

“However, in most cases they visit their doctor for various reasons multiple times during the months leading up to their diagnosis, which could represent opportunities to diagnose the cancer earlier. It’s important to find ways to ensure these patients can be diagnosed at an early stage. And this study highlights the need to support GPs and give them the tools to diagnose and refer patients promptly when they feel it’s necessary”, she continued.

Have you or a loved one suffered due to delays in treatment or diagnosis of cancer? Pryers are a leading national firm of Medical Negligence Lawyers. Our dedicated team of lawyers and experts are well equipped to investigate and advise on all issues of medical treatment.

A photograph of a doctor holding a clipboard, in an article about the A&E four hour wait time, which might be scrapped

Hip Surgery Claims Admitted by Welsh Health Board

A nurse caring for an elderly lady

Can we use technology to protect the elderly?

A photograph of a busy hospital corridor, taken with a slow shutter, so thee is some motion blur. This is on the same hospital mentoned in the article, as Mid Staffordshire Trust has been Fined £500,000

Winter Crisis Over But Wards Remain Dangerously Full

Genetic embryo screening before IVF doesn’t improve chances of having a baby