Improving the identification of cancer in young people: a scoping review

Gibson, Faith, Pearce, Susie, Fern, Lorna, Martins, Ana and Kelly, Daniel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1847-0655 2017. Improving the identification of cancer in young people: a scoping review. Expert Review of Quality of Life in Cancer Care 2 (2) , pp. 87-101. 10.1080/23809000.2017.1307089

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Abstract

Introduction: The challenges of achieving timely cancer diagnosis in adolescents and young adults are recognised. However, contributing factors and associated clinical and psychosocial outcomes are poorly understood. Areas covered: We present a scoping review of existing evidence into time intervals to diagnosis and potential mechanisms influencing the identification of cancer symptoms and impact on a timely diagnosis. Charting data using Walters ‘pathways to treatment’ we summarise the diagnostic pathway into four interval categories: appraisal, help-seeking, diagnostic, and pre-treatment, and illustrate where evidence exists and where unanswered questions remain. Expert commentary: Whilst the research base has expanded over the last decade in cancer care there continues to be limited research that reveals the complexity of the timeliness of diagnosis in this population. There are unique issues facing this age group in terms of rarity of cancer, complexity of symptoms and problems with healthcare system access that create a constellation of challenges. We offer explanations for diagnostic difficulties in this age group, and explain how, with the limited available evidence, we are still seeking solutions to what is a uniquely complex problem.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
ISSN:	2380-9000
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	25 July 2017
Date of Acceptance:	13 March 2017
Last Modified:	01 Dec 2024 04:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/102913

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