Smokers are less likely than non-smokers to seek help for a lung cancer 'alarm' symptom.

Thorax
C Friedemann SmithJane Wardle

Abstract

The majority (>85%) of lung cancer cases are linked with smoking, and prognosis is poor because it is often diagnosed at a late stage. One contributor to late-stage diagnosis could be patient delay in help-seeking. We investigated the help-seeking behaviour of smokers and non-smokers for a recent lung cancer alarm symptom. A health survey was sent to 4913 men and women aged >50 years through through General Practice. It included questions on symptoms experienced in the past 3 months (from a checklist), help-seeking (Yes/No) for each symptom and demographic characteristics including smoking status. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between smoking status and help-seeking for a cough or hoarseness. Among 2042 participants (42% response rate), 280 (14%) reported 'cough or hoarseness' in the past 3 months; of whom 22% were current smokers. Being a smoker was associated with reduced likelihood of help-seeking (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.83), even after adjusting for demographic factors (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.21 to 1.00). Delay in help-seeking in smokers for a symptom that is potentially indicative of lung cancer is a cause for concern. Future research could usefully addr...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 22, 2020·Health Expectations : an International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy·Sonja KummerSamantha L Quaife
Aug 2, 2018·Journal of Intensive Care·Fahad AlroumiJames Dargin
Jun 29, 2017·Journal of Public Health·Theodosia SalikaCristina Renzi
Sep 25, 2017·Cancer Medicine·Yuanqiu LiUNKNOWN Health Economic Evaluation Working Group, Cancer Screening Program in Urban China (CanSPUC)
Nov 17, 2020·Journal of Cellular Physiology·Yujie ZhangXiaoli Ma
Dec 18, 2020·European Journal of Oncology Nursing : the Official Journal of European Oncology Nursing Society·Mohamad M SaabJosephine Hegarty
Mar 2, 2021·Health Promotion International·Mohamad M SaabJosephine Hegarty

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