Study: Survival Time Not Increasing for Colorectal Cancer Patients

While the past decade has seen a number of advances in colorectal cancer screening and treatment, these have yet to translate into an increase in survival time for those diagnosed with the disease, according to researchers.

The researchers, reporting in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, said they evaluated almost 150,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in four three-year blocks: 1986–1988, 1989–1991, 1992–1994, and 1995–1997.

They said the incidence of colorectal cancer in the United States, particularly among whites, declined over this 12-year period.

But in looking at one-year, three-year and five-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the researchers reported that "no significant differences in survival were seen over time in whites or blacks.

"The lack of improvement in survival over time in whites and blacks indicates that despite advances in screening and treatment, to date, no survival benefit has occurred," the researchers concluded.

Other Sources: American Journal of Gastroenterology