Comparing survival outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer treated in public and private hospitals

Kosmider, Suzanne; Jones, Ian T; Hayes, Ian P; Gibbs, Peter

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2007.tb01220.x

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To the Editor: We suggest that marked differences in comorbidities could be one explanation for the superior outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer treated in private hospitals as reported in the study by Morris et al.1 We also have concerns about the quality of the data used in their study.

1 Department of Oncology and Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC.
2 Department of Colorectal Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC.

Correspondence: Suzanne.Kosmider@mh.org.au

Acknowledgements:

We acknowledge the support provided by Julie Johns and Ngio Murigu, research coordinators at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

1. Morris M, Iacopetta B, Platell C. Comparing survival outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer treated in public and private hospitals. Med J Aust 2007; 186: 296-300. <MJA full text>
2. Meyerhardt JA, Catalano PJ, Haller DG, et al. Impact of diabetes mellitus on outcomes in patients with colon cancer. J Clin Oncol 2003; 21: 433-440.

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