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A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has revealed that approximately one in three cancer patients in Ontario visited an emergency department (ED) within 90 days before receiving their diagnosis. The findings suggest a need to improve diagnostic follow-up from emergency settings to enhance patient care and early detection.
Study Findings
The study analyzed data from over 650,000 patients diagnosed with cancer in Ontario between 2014 and 2021. Among them, 35%—a total of 229,683 patients—had sought emergency medical care before their cancer was officially diagnosed.
Of those who visited the ED before diagnosis:
- 64% had a single visit.
- 23% visited twice.
- 13% visited three or more times.
More than half of these patients were subsequently admitted to the hospital. The most common reasons for their visits were symptoms related to their eventual cancer diagnosis, such as abdominal pain in colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal bleeding in gastroesophageal cancer.
High-Risk Groups
The study identified several groups more likely to visit the ED before their cancer diagnosis:
- Older adults.
- Residents of rural areas.
- Individuals from marginalized neighborhoods.
- Patients with multiple health conditions.
- Those diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interestingly, recent immigrants were found to be less likely to visit the ED before their diagnosis.
Implications for Healthcare
The study’s findings emphasize the need for better integration between emergency care and cancer diagnostics. Researchers suggest improving access to diagnostic follow-ups after emergency visits to facilitate earlier detection and treatment of cancer. Strengthening primary care and specialist referrals from ED visits could reduce delays in diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
With one-third of cancer patients seeking emergency care before their diagnosis, this study underscores the importance of enhanced screening and referral pathways from ED settings. Addressing these gaps in the healthcare system could lead to earlier interventions and improved survival rates for cancer patients.
Disclaimer: This article is based on findings from a published study and does not constitute medical advice. For personal health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.
(Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-patients-cancer-emergency-departments-months.html)
