Journal article
Understanding symptom appraisal and help-seeking in people with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer: A qualitative study
K Mills, L Birt, JD Emery, N Hall, J Banks, M Johnson, J Lancaster, W Hamilton, GP Rubin, FM Walter
BMJ Open | Published : 2017
Abstract
Objective Pancreatic cancer has poor survival rates due to non-specific symptoms leading to later diagnosis. Understanding how patients interpret their symptoms could inform approaches to earlier diagnosis. This study sought to explore symptom appraisal and help-seeking among patients referred to secondary care for symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer. Design Qualitative analysis of semistructured in-depth interviews. Data were analysed iteratively and thematically, informed by the Model of Pathways to Treatment. Participants and setting Pancreatic cancer occurs rarely in younger adults, therefore patients aged ≥40 years were recruited from nine hospitals after being referred to hospital..
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Awarded by Pancreatic Cancer Action
Funding Acknowledgements
This paper presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme (RP-PG-0608-10045) and Pancreatic Cancer Action (registered charity 1137689). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. The funders of this study had no role in study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, or the writing of this research paper. FMW is supported by an NIHR Clinician Scientist award.