In Wessex 18% (17-27 %) of all cancer diagnoses are made following an emergency presentation. One year survival in this group is generally poor. Both nationally as in our region around 80% of these patients are over 60 years old. Symptoms most commonly recorded after self-referral to A&E are abdominal pain, shortness of breath and weight loss. The Wessex top four cancer sites for 2006-2013 ranked by number of patients and % of cases diagnosed via emergency route are 1. Prostate 17,094 (10%) 2.  Colorectal 15,431 (24%) 3.  Lung – 13,248 (37%) and 4. Pancreas 3,332 (47%).

Published: October 2017