A total of 1,151 patients were identified, of whom
59% received chemotherapy. Factors predicting chemotherapy
receipt were male sex, age 75 years, no hospital readmission
within 30 days of surgery, stage III disease, no prior cancer
diagnosis, and rectal cancer. Of the 679 patients who received
chemotherapy, 479 (72%) met the 12-week benchmark, with
male sex, urban residence, less social deprivation, colon cancer
and increased length of hospital stay as significant factors. Of the
472 patients who did not receive chemotherapy, the most common
reason for nonreceipt was no consultation with a medical
oncologist (53%).