Emergency colorectal cancer patients in Nigeria have worse survival outcomes

Among 535 colorectal cancer patients in Nigeria, 30.7% presented emergently, often with more advanced disease. Emergency presentations were linked to significantly poorer overall survival, median survival being 6.4 months compared to 17.4 months for elective patients. Factors such as lower household income and education level were prevalent in the emergency group. Although surgery improved survival for both groups, emergency patients faced a higher 30-day postoperative mortality rate, suggesting urgent need for improved cancer detection and early treatment strategies.