Differences in Timely Cancer Diagnosis in African American and Caucasian Patients With Newly Diagnosed Colorectal Cancer

RATIONALE: Gathering information about timely diagnosis in African American and Caucasian patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer may help doctors learn more about factors that influence a diagnosis and plan the best treatment. PURPOSE: This phase I trial is studying differences in timely cancer diagnosis in African American patients and in Caucasian patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer.