Reasons for delays in diagnosis of anal cancer and the effect on patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the time to diagnosis of anal cancer after onset of symptoms, to identify reasons for delays in diagnosis, and to identify the effect of delays on patient satisfaction.

DESIGN: Retrospective questionnaire.

SETTING: Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Alta.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients newly diagnosed with anal cancer on their first visit to the centre.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Timeline from first symptoms to first access to medical care and to diagnosis, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: Twenty-six patients completed the survey. Although most sought medical attention promptly, 19% waited for more than 6 months. At first visits after symptom onset, a rectal examination was performed in only 54% of patients, a diagnosis of hemorrhoids was given in 27% of patients, and further investigations were ordered in only 54% of patients. If a misdiagnosis of hemorrhoids was made, substantially more visits were required to diagnose the cancer. An average of 3.2 months after the first visit to a physician and 7.4 months after onset of symptoms was needed to obtain a diagnosis. Overall, 28% of patients believed there were no diagnostic delays and 40% of patients thought they were responsible for the delay. Overall, 72% of patients were satisfied with the care they received. Patients who were dissatisfied perceived the delay in diagnosis to be because no action was taken by a physician or the wait was too long for tests or referrals.

CONCLUSION: To reduce delays in diagnosis, it might be important to educate relevant populations about symptoms of anal cancer. In addition, primary care physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion of anal cancer in high-risk populations. Finally, there must be a system-wide increase in access to further investigations through gastroenterologists and general surgeons.