Inpatient hospital admission through an emergency department in relation to stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer

The purpose of this study was to use population-based sources to estimate t he frequency and characteristics of first inpatient hospital admission thro ugh an emergency department (ED) among 11,023 patients with diagnosed color ectal cancer between 1992 and 1996. Patients were identified from the popul ation-based Connecticut Tumor Registry. Linkage with a statewide hospital d ischarge database (inpatient only) disclosed that 20% had a first hospital inpatient admission through an ED. Inpatient admission through an ED was st atistically significantly associated with older age and race and was a stat istically significant risk factor for distant stage at diagnosis. Studies a re needed of the roles of patient delay and lack of screening in influencin g ED presentation, especially in the elderly.