A Study of Colorectal Cancer in Counties Manukau District Health Board.

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A Prospective Observational Study of Colorectal Cancer in Counties Manukau District Health Board. Lal D, Gastroenterology Consultant, CMDHB Schauer C, Gastroenterology Registrar, CMDHB Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to represent a large health burden both in New Zealand (NZ) and the world. In NZ it represents the second most common cancer registered (14%) and second most frequent cause of cancer related death (14%). In addition, NZ has an internationally low rate of early stage diagnosis with only 28% of disease surgically curable. Colorectal cancer may present insidiously, dependent on symptoms and patient factors. Traditional risk factors, lifestyle factors, ethnic and cultural variability are also important in determining risk. Currently, only gross incidence and mortality rates are collected by the NZ cancer registry. More complete and specific data from New Zealand is limited. Detailed local epidemiological data, presenting symptoms and signs, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment patterns will be crucial information to assist healthcare providers in assessment of risk and to improve CRC statistics in our area. Ethics and safety -Patients will be informed of process of data collection for study purposes and consent obtained. Any patient not wanting data to be stored (data being collected is part of routine history taking) will be excluded. -Data is confidential and only shared amongst medical staff. -Data will be safely stored on excel spreadsheet with NHI identification. Project Management -Gastroenterology Registrar on ward duty (rotating 3-6 monthly) will be in charge of data collection. -Dr Lal (Gastroenterology SMO) will be in charge of project overview Timetable -Once approved, we intend to commence data collection after dissemination of project protocol to the relevant departments (gastroenterology, pathology, surgery) -We will collect and review data on a 6 monthly basis – this project is likely to run over a number of years (2-3) Resources -We anticipate this to take 1-2 hours/week. -Use of a biostatistician at the conclusion of the project. Research Output -We plan to present data within the department, surgical department and potentially national and international conferences to inform colleagues of findings if data is of use. Dissemination to local general practitioners about symptoms in primary care settings would be of great use.

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