Relationship between the 'two-week rule' and colorectal cancer diagnosis.

This literature review explored the relationship between the 'two-week rule' (TWR) and the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The Cochrane Review, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), NHS Evidence and Medline databases were searched and produced 12 relevant studies. Since the introduction of the TWR, the CRC detection rate has been poor and there appears to be disagreement in the literature regarding the efficacy of the TWR to detect CRC at an earlier disease stage. There have also been variations in the use of the TWR guidelines by GPs. These factors may lead to poor outcomes for patients with CRC.