First hospital contact via the Emergency Department is an independent predictor of overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with colorectal cancer.

Aims: the aim of this study was to examine the possible association between the type of hospital admission and subsequent survival of the patient, as well as the pathological features recorded in a large population of patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: the study included 1,079 patients diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in the Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella, Spain). The relationship between patient survival rate and type of first admission to the hospital (elective or emergency admission) was assessed.

Biological and prognostic differences between symptomatic colorectal carcinomas and those detected by screening.

Introduction: Few studies have been conducted to establish the relationship between colorectal cancer screening programmes and survival adjusting by stage and, to determine whether there are differences, at a biological level, between the tumours of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to evaluate clinical, biological and survival differences between symptomatic colorectal tumours and those detected by screening.

Study Method: A prospective cohort study was performed of patients subjected to surgical intervention during the period 2010-2012, at different hospitals in Spain.

Factors Associated with Prolonged Patient-Attributable Delay in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer.

Purpose: The delayed diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) may be attributable to sociodemographic characteristics, to aspects of tumour histopathology or to the functioning of the health system. We seek to determine which of these factors most influences prolonged patient-attributable delay (PPAD) in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Materials And Methods: A prospective, multicentre observational study was conducted in 22 Spanish hospitals.