The two-week rule for suspected colorectal cancer: patient experience and psychological impact.

Purpose: There has been considerable interest in the "two-week rule" referral pathway efficacy for patients with suspected colorectal cancer. This study aims to explore the psychological impact on these patients.

Design/methodology/approach: Consecutive patients referred for urgent investigations under the "two-week rule" were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).