Key result
Having a chronic respiratory condition increased the odds of anticipated prompt help-seeking from a GP for potential lung cancer symptoms (OR 1.25) compared to not having a respiratory condition.
Why the study?
Little is known about whether pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, influence symptom attribution and anticipated help-seeking for potential lung cancer symptoms.
Does having a chronic respiratory condition influence symptom attribution and anticipated help-seeking for potential lung cancer symptoms in adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=2,143)
Does having a chronic respiratory condition influence symptom attribution and anticipated help-seeking for potential lung cancer symptoms in adults?
Chronic respiratory conditions do not appear to interfere with anticipated help-seeking for potential lung cancer symptoms, despite patients frequently attributing these symptoms to their pre-existing condition.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Comorbidity may shape symptom responses in primary care; leaves open effects on lung cancer diagnostic timing.
BACKGROUND: Very little is known about the influence of chronic conditions on symptom attribution and help-seeking for potential cancer symptoms. AIM: To determine if symptom attribution and anticipated help-seeking for potential lung cancer symptoms is influenced by pre-existing respiratory conditions (often referred to as comorbidity), such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN & SETTING: A total of 2143 adults (1081 with and 1062 without a respiratory condition) took part in an online vignette survey. METHOD: The vignette described potential lung cancer symptoms (persistent cough and breathlessness) after which questions were asked on symptom attribution and anticipated help-seeking. RESULTS: Attribution of symptoms to cancer was similar in participants with and without respiratory conditions (21.5% and 22.1%, respectively). Participants with respiratory conditions, compared with those without, were more likely to attribute the new or changing cough and breathlessness to asthma or COPD (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.02 to 4.39). Overall, 56.5% of participants reported intention to seek help from a GP within 3 weeks if experiencing the potential lung cancer symptoms. Having a respiratory condition increased the odds of prompt help-seeking (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.49). Regular healthcare appointments were associated with higher odds of anticipated help-seeking. CONCLUSION: Only one in five participants identified persistent cough and breathlessness as potential cancer symptoms, and half said they would promptly seek help from a GP, indicating scope for promoting help-seeking for new or changing symptoms. Chronic respiratory conditions did not appear to interfere with anticipated help-seeking, which might be explained by regular appointments to manage chronic conditions.
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Kaushal et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Potential lung cancer symptoms (n=2,143). Pre-existing respiratory conditions (asthma or COPD) vs. No respiratory condition was evaluated on Anticipated help-seeking from a GP within 3 weeks (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.49, p=<0.05). Having a chronic respiratory condition increased the odds of anticipated prompt help-seeking from a GP for potential lung cancer symptoms (OR 1.25) compared to not having a respiratory condition.
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