Early Intervention and Referral of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Opportunities for Optimal Referral Timing in Differential Diagnosis of Suspected Head and Neck Cancer Signs and Symptomology: a qualitative study of attitudes and perceptions of community pharmacists, and head and neck cancer patients in the North East of England
IRAS ID
296941
Contact name
Andrew Sturrock
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sunderland
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is the eighth most common cancer in the UK. Incidence and mortality rates of HNC are highest in deprived areas, and the North East (NE) of England has the highest rates nationally.
The majority of HNCs are located in the oral cavity and larynx, and may be potentially identified early by a dentist who can refer patients for a formal diagnosis. However, patients frequently present late with advanced disease and recent research suggests that many patients have not seen their dentist in the two years that precede their diagnosis, for reasons that include uncertainty regarding cost and dental anxiety.
A HNC risk prediction tool, www.ORLhealth.com, has been developed to improve detection rates and is being considered by a range of healthcare professionals. Community pharmacists (CPs) provide an increasing range of healthcare services. They routinely offer advice to patients seeking over-the-counter treatments for common symptoms, including those that may be related to HNC. This places them in an ideal position to offer opportunistic interventions for at-risk patients, to promote and facilitate health seeking behaviours and potentially refer patients at an earlier stage of their disease for formal diagnosis of the condition.
This study aims to conduct semi-structured interviews with CPs and HNC patients. The interviews with CPs will explore knowledge, current practice and appetite for delivering HNC screening. Interviews with HNC patients will explore past engagement with pharmacy services and attitudes towards the roles of pharmacists delivering HNC screening.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0126
Date of REC Opinion
29 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion