A241 TIME FROM DIAGNOSTIC ENDOSCOPY TO CURATIVE RESECTION IN PATIENTS WITH COLON CANCER: A POPULATION-BASED STUDY

BACKGROUND: Factors associated with time-to-surgery (TTS) and survival in patients with colon cancer has not been well studied. Cancer Care Ontario recommends surgery within 42 days of diagnosis and that 90% of patients meet this benchmark. AIMS: We describe factors associated with TTS and survival in routine clinical practice. METHODS: Retrospective population-based cohort study of patients receiving elective colonic resection after diagnosis of colon cancer in Ontario, Canada from 2002–2008. Factors associated with TTS were identified using multivariate log-binomial and Quantile regression at 42 days and 90(th) percentiles. The association between TTS and cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were examined using multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: 4,326 patients; median age 71 years and 52% male. Median TTS was 24 days (IQR 14–37); at the 90(th) percentile 56 days. Factors associated with TTS ≥ 42 days and > 90(th) percentile included older age, co-morbid illness, surgeon volume, and stage I disease (P < 0.05 for all). In patients whose TTS was either at 42 days or 90(th) percentile, those ≥ 80 years old waited two weeks longer than those < 60 years, individuals with co-morbid illness waited 10 days longer than those without co-morbidity, and patients with stage I disease waited 10 days longer than those with stage IV disease (P < 0.05 for all). Delay in TTS > 42 days or > 90(th) percentile was not associated with OS or CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Age, co-morbidity, and stage of cancer are associated with TTS. There was no association between TTS and CSS or OS. FUNDING AGENCIES: Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Association (SEAMO)