Understanding symptom appraisal and help-seeking in people with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer: a qualitative study

Given the poor survival rates and non-specific symptoms of pancreatic cancer this study has qualitatively explored the barriers and facilitators around symptom appraisal and help-seeking among patients referred to secondary care for symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer. Twenty-six interviews, 13 cancer and 13 non-cancer patients, were conducted. Time from first symptoms to first presentation to healthcare ranged from 1-270 days. Most patients were able to recall when they first noticed their symptom/s and when they first went to their GP. Initial symptom appraisal usually began with irregular, non-specific symptoms such as tiredness or appetite changes. The triggers for help seeking included a change or worsening in symptoms, in particular pain was often the ‘tipping point’. This is the first study to investigate symptom appraisal and help-seeking in patients recently referred to hospital with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer. These findings can help inform GP education approaches to help promote timely investigation and referral.   Read the full article here.