Listening to Patients: A Qualitative Study on Diagnostic Delay, Coping Strategies, and Stigma in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

    October 2025 in “ Colorectal Disease ”
    Hélène Gros, Stephanie Taha‐Mehlitz, Suna Erdem, Mathias Worni, Mark Henschel, Amanda K. Huber, J.‐M. Gass, A F Muller, C. T. Viehl, Raffaele Galli, Daniel Rodjakovic, Thomas Simon, Sebastian Happ, Sofia Teixeira da Cunha, Lukas Eisner, Daniel C. Steinemann, Beat P. Müller‐Stich, M. Strauß, Jennifer M. Klasen
    TLDR Early-onset colorectal cancer requires better physician awareness, risk-based screening, and stigma reduction to improve patient experiences.
    This qualitative study involving 19 early-onset colorectal cancer patients in Switzerland highlights significant diagnostic delays due to misdiagnosis and lack of physician awareness, despite the country's advanced healthcare system. Patients often had to advocate persistently for proper evaluation as symptoms were attributed to stress or benign conditions. Coping strategies included seeking emotional support and encouraging preventive screenings among loved ones. The study emphasizes the need for improved clinical awareness, effective communication, and addressing stigma, particularly related to alopecia. It also suggests integrating fertility counseling into patient care and enhancing self-advocacy to improve outcomes.
    Discuss this study in the Community →