Watt SK, Fransgaard T, Degett TH, et al. - In this register-based national cohort study involving 21,349 individuals, researchers ascertained if a clinically suspected infection, for which blood cultures were sent within 30 days after surgery for colorectal cancer, was related to long-term oncological outcomes. Between January 2003 and December 2013, all Danish residents undergoing surgery with curative intent for colorectal cancer were included. There was no inclusion of patients who developed recurrence or died within 180 days of surgery. Data reported that 3,390 patients had blood cultures taken within 30 days after surgery. Compared with patients who did not have blood cultures taken, those who had blood cultures taken had an increased risk of all-cause mortality, poorer disease-free survival and a higher risk of recurrence. With poorer oncological results, a clinically suspected infection requiring blood cultures within 30 days of colorectal cancer surgery was associated.