The SYMPTOM Study
Title: The SYMPTOM Study: factors influencing patient appraisal
of symptoms and associations with cancer diagnosis
Why is this study being done?
This qualitative, observational study is one part of a much
larger programme aiming to improve the diagnosis of symptomatic
cancers.
Patients with symptoms that may suggest pancreatic, lung or
colorectal cancer will be asked to complete a questionnaire about
their symptoms and their decision to consult their doctor about
them. Researchers will also conduct in-depth, face-to-face
interviews with some patients about their views and experiences of
their symptoms.
The researchers want to identify what symptoms are associated
with going to the GP and with being diagnosed with cancer later
rather than sooner. They are also looking at what other patient
factors (e.g. age, gender) are associated with going to the doctor
later or being diagnosed at a later stage, and how patients
recognise, interpret and act on symptoms that might be associated
with cancer.
Who can take part in the study?
Patients over 40 who have been referred to hospital by their GP
for further investigation of symptoms that might indicate
pancreatic, lung or colorectal cancer. Eligible patients are
identified by a study research nurse and sent a pack, including the
questionnaire, in the mail.
Study centres
The study is open at a limited number of locations in East
Anglia and the North East of England.
Recruitment start date: December 2010
Recruitment end date: March
2013
For more information
UKCRN and University of Cambridge