Ashley Watson and Anna Pujadas Botey: Advancing Knowledge for Improved Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer in Alberta

Ashley Watson & Anna Pujadas Botey: Advancing Knowledge for Improved Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer in Alberta

Perspectives of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in hospital and individuals closely related to them

 Principal investigators:

Ashley Watson, RN, Unit 83 (colorectal and general surgery unit), Rockyview General Hospital.
Anna Pujadas Botey, PhD, Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (SCN), AHS

Colorectal cancer is among the four cancers most prevalent in Alberta, and over a third of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the hospital.

These patients are often diagnosed with later stage cancer, which is associated with lower quality of life and reduced survival relative to patients diagnosed at earlier stages. There is much we do not know about factors that explain why so many patients are diagnosed in hospital, rather than in the community. The Cancer SCN, in partnership with Unit 83 at the Rockyview General Hospital (Calgary), has a new study to explore this. They are interviewing patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in hospital and individuals in close relationship with them (like family relatives or close friends) to understand how we can better support diagnosis in the community.

Findings of the study will inform the development of a pathway to streamline the diagnosis of colorectal cancer in Alberta and inform a provincial strategy that supports facilitated cancer diagnosis.

Results will also provide insights into approaches to increase awareness about colorectal cancer among Albertans, and enhance nursing professional practice related to diagnosis and care of patients diagnosed with this type of cancer.

Thank you to the Calgary Health Foundation for supporting this project in partnership with ARNET.