Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Wilson R.; *Shah J.; *Shittu S.; *Goh Y.L.; *Ball W.

Citation:

British Journal of Surgery. Conference: Annual Congress of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. Edinburgh United Kingdom. 112(Supplement 13) (pp xiii69), 2025. Date of Publication: 01 Aug 2025.

Abstract:

Aim: To evaluate outcomes of patients dying within 12 months of colorectal cancer diagnosis in Shropshire County. Method(s): A single-centre retrospective review was conducted on patients who died within 12 months of diagnosis between 2020 and 2024. Patient demographics, performance status, time from referral to imaging, diagnosis, MDT, death, and treatment intent were collected. Result(s): A total of 103 patients (44 male, 59 female), with a mean age of 74 (range 32-96) years. Most had a performance status of 1 and lived in their own home (92%). Geographically, 60% lived in Shrewsbury, 34% in Telford, and 9% in Wolverhampton. Referral sources were mainly from GPs (55%), with 74% seen within two weeks. Other referral sources include emergency admission to SAU (20%) and AMU (16%). All patients underwent CT imaging, and 57% had endoscopic procedures. The average age at death was 75 (range 34-97), with the most common cause being distant metastatic sigmoid cancer. The average time from diagnosis to death was 4.4 months. Treatment intent was palliative for 90% of patients (44% best supportive care, 56% oncology), and 59% of those referred to oncology received palliative treatment. Eight patients with curative intent died due to emergency presentation with sepsis and multiorgan failure (2), prior to commencing treatment (1), complications of treatment (3), or declined treatment (2). Conclusion(s): This audit highlights that colorectal cancer patients in Shropshire are predominantly elderly, over 70 years, with significant co-morbidities and a performance status of at least 1.

DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znaf166.263