Lung cancer symptom appraisal among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative interview study.
Psychooncology
; 28(4): 718-725, 2019 04.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30693608
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The incidence of lung cancer is four times higher in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with the general population. Promotion of a shorter time from symptom onset to presentation is one potential strategy for earlier lung cancer diagnosis, but distinguishing respiratory symptoms can be difficult. We investigated how the experience of COPD influences symptom appraisal and help seeking for potential lung cancer symptoms.METHODS:
We conducted qualitative interviews with men (n = 17) and women (n = 23) aged 40 to 83 years with COPD. Topic guides drew on the integrated symptom-response framework and covered symptom experience, interpretation, action, recognition, help seeking, evaluation, and reevaluation. We used the framework method to analyse the data.RESULTS:
Participants said that they attributed chest symptoms to their COPD; no other cause was considered. Participants said that family/friends noticed changes in their symptoms and encouraged help seeking. Others felt isolated by their COPD because they could not get out, were fatigued, or were embarrassed. Participants visited health professionals frequently, but increased risk of lung cancer was not discussed.CONCLUSIONS:
Our study provides insight into different levels of influence on symptom appraisal and targets for intervention. Greater awareness of increased lung cancer risk and support to act on symptom changes is essential and could be achieved through a concerted information campaign. Health professionals working with people with COPD could also optimise appointments to support symptom appraisal of potential lung cancer symptoms.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Aceptación de la Atención de Salud
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Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica
/
Detección Precoz del Cáncer
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Incidence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Screening_studies
Límite:
Adult
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Aged
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Aged80
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Female
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Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Psychooncology
Asunto de la revista:
NEOPLASIAS
/
PSICOLOGIA
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido