Delayed diagnosis, disease and secondary prevention, especially in young patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Laska Edyta , Richter Piotr 
Published: September 2024

<b>Introduction:</b> Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second cause of death. Its incidence rate decreased by about 3% per year between 2011 and 2015, and mortality by 35% between 1990 and 2007. This improvement is a result of cancer prevention and early detection strategies through screening. The decline in cancer rates may have been due to a growing awareness of colorectal cancer in the Polish population. There was a discernible improvement in the quality of surgical treatment with time.<b>Aim:</b> The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between colonoscopy and the incidence of CRC, the incidence and family history of cancer and other intestinal diseases, as well as between the stage and time from first symptoms to the start of treatment.<b>Materials and methods:</b> A retrospective analysis of the records of patients with CRC treated surgically between 1995 and 2005 at the Department of General, Oncological, and Gastroenterological Surgery in Krakow and a diagnostic survey method were used.<b>Results:</b> There was a statistically significant relationship between the performance of colonoscopy and the incidence of CRC (P<0.001). There was no correlation between CRC and the incidence of cancer and other bowel diseases in the family, or between the stage and the time from first symptoms to the start of treatment. The length of time was long, usually up to 6 months, 1–3 years, and in some cases longer than 6 years.<b>Discussion:</b> Unfortunately, the incidence of CRC in young people under 50 years (EOCRC) has increased. Screening is of proven importance in reducing the incidence and mortality of CRC and every effort should be made to carry out as many of these screenings as possible. The time between diagnosis and treatment should also be kept as short as possible. Recommendations for the timeframe from diagnosis to treatment of cancer exist in many countries. In Australia, guidelines for an optimal care pathway suggest a timeframe of up to 7–9 weeks, similar to the National Health Service UK guidelines in the UK. Timeliness of treatment is an important factor in cancer care, to assess the consequences of delays and disruptions in oncology care.<b>Conclusions:</b> The incidence of CRC was lowest among those who had prophylactic examinations – colonoscopies. Studies on secondary prevention have confirmed that there was poor diagnosis in this area, even though there were cases of CRC in the immediate family, so it is worth educating the public and encouraging them to have colonoscopies and take care of their health. The long time between the appearance of the first clinical symptoms and the start of treatment, which was presented in the study, is unfortunately associated with a worse prognosis, as any delay in starting treatment for oncology patients is unfavorable.<b>Significance of the research for the development of the field:</b> The role of secondary prevention in the prevention of CRC and the need to educate the public to catch the first worrying signs of cancer and to consult a doctor are emphasized.