Delay in Diagnosis of Colonic Cancer—A Continuing Challenqe

In 93 of 500 cases of colonic cancer, there was delay between the time of the patient seeking medical advice and establishment of diagnosis. Barium enema examinations were requested early in 49 patients: the tumor was not detected in 47 and in 2 the correct diagnosis was not accepted. Each individual radiologist missed 1 cancer in 500 enema examinations. It is hoped that those experienced in refinements of technique or in survey work will report their findings in an effort to increase the 5-year survival of 45% in colonic cancer.