Eliciting symptoms interpreted as normal by patients with early-stage lung cancer: could GP elicitation of normalised symptoms reduce delay in diagnosis? Cross-sectional interview study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate why symptoms indicative of early-stage lung cancer (LC) were not presented to general practitioners (GPs) and how early symptoms might be better elicited within primary care.

Design, setting and participants

A qualitative cross-sectional interview study about symptoms and help-seeking in 20 patients from three south England counties, awaiting resection of LC (suspected or histologically confirmed). Analysis drew on principles of discourse analysis and constant comparison to identify processes involved in interpretation and communication about symptoms, and explain non-presentation.

Results

Most participants experienced health changes possibly indicative of LC which had not been presented during GP consultations. Symptoms that were episodic, o

SUBMITTER: Brindle L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3533064 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature