DECISION TO INVESTIGATE CANCER SYMPTOMS IN OLDER ADULTS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
WHAT INFLUENCES THE DECISION TO INVESTIGATE CANCER SYMPTOMS IN OLDER ADULTS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
IRAS ID
288460
Contact name
Daniel Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
People of a similar age can have very different levels of health, independence and outlooks on life. This is especially true for older people such as those over 80 years of age who could have poor health and be dependent on others for care. If a frail, older patient experiences symptoms which could be caused by cancer (for example coughing blood), national guidelines advise that patients should be tested for cancer, regardless of age or health status. This may not always be in the patient’s best interests and could be against the wishes of the patient or their carers. \n\n \n\nWhen older patients are diagnosed with cancer there may be limited treatment options - most often due to poor health. Given the option, some older adults may opt to not investigate possible cancer symptoms, allowing GPs to treat their symptoms based on a ‘probable diagnosis’. However, some patients may want to know what is wrong with them. Having a confirmed diagnosis could help patients, and improve their quality of life through better access to cancer services. No research has considered the views of older patients on the desirability of being tested. \n\n \n\nWe aim to gain an improved understanding of the views and experiences of older people on: \n\nthe joint decision whether or not to test their symptoms which could be due to cancer; \n\nthe factors which may affect a patients decision; \n\nthe value to patients of knowing the ‘probable’ diagnosis. \n\n \n\nOlder patients who have recently experienced cancer symptoms or been referred to hospital for possible cancer will be identified from their GP records. A sensitive approach will be made by letter, email, phone call or text from their own GP Surgery. If the patient is interested in participating in the research a video or telephone interview will be arranged at a time and place to suit them. We will discuss their feelings and other factors behind their decision to investigate (or not) cancer symptoms. \n\n \n\nThis study will help researchers better understand how patients decide to investigate cancer symptoms, how important having a diagnosis is, and what influences these decisions. This in turn will support GPs and patients in managing these difficult decisions on when and how to investigate cancer symptoms and when to keep the patient comfortable. This early study will also inform future research to improve the delivery of care of older adults with possible cancer.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/YH/0337
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion