Perceived diagnostic delay and cancer-related distress: a cross-sectional study of patients with colorectal cancer.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of perceived diagnostic delay on cancer-related distress and determine whether fear of cancer-recurrence and quality of life mediate this relationship.

Methods: Cross-sectional study in which 311 colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors in Scotland completed a survey, which included questions on cancer-related distress (IES-R), perceived diagnostic delay, quality of life (trial outcome index of the FACT-C: FACT-C TOI) and fear of cancer recurrence. Fifteen patients withheld consent to data matching with medical records, leaving a sample size of 296.

The Psychological Impact of a Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Following a Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test Result.

Background: Screening using fecal occult blood testing (FOBt) reduces colorectal cancer mortality, but the test has low sensitivity. A "missed" cancer may cause psychologic harms in the screened population that partially counteract the benefits of early detection.

Methods: Three hundred and eleven people diagnosed with colorectal cancer (i) after a negative FOBt result (interval cancer), (ii) a positive result (screen-detected cancer), or (iii) in regions where screening was not offered, completed questions on quality of life (FACT-C), depression (CES-D), perceived diagnostic delay, and trust in the results of FOBt screening.

The launch of Cancer Research UK's 'Reduce the Risk' campaign: baseline measurements of public awareness of cancer risk factors in 2004.

Aim: This national survey sought to establish levels of awareness of cancer risk factors and awareness of what individuals could do to reduce their own risk status.

Method: Cross-sectional interview data comprising a national representative sample of 4,233 individuals aged 15 years or over across Great Britain.

Results: There were high levels of awareness of the role of smoking in the development of cancer, but only modest awareness of alcohol intake, being overweight, physical inactivity and older age.