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Commentary on 'Experiences of health changes and reasons for delay in seeking care: a UK study of the months prior to the diagnosis of lung cancer'. by Corner, J et al

Kelly, Daniel M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1847-0655 2006. Commentary on 'Experiences of health changes and reasons for delay in seeking care: a UK study of the months prior to the diagnosis of lung cancer'. by Corner, J et al. Evidence-Based Nursing 9 (4) , p. 127. 10.1136/ebn.9.4.127

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Abstract

The study by Corner et al raises several complex challenges for nurses and healthcare professionals. Improving cancer outcomes relies primarily on prevention as well as earlier and more accurate detection. However, as the study by Corner et al suggests, lung cancer commonly presents with a range of vague symptoms that may not immediately be suggestive of a serious disease with poor prognosis. Unlike breast cancer, where an external lump may prompt women and their healthcare providers to access diagnostic services, lung cancer arises internally and is often associated with comorbidities, especially in elderly people. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that earlier detection improves survival in lung cancer.1 Given the reality of finite healthcare resources and the increasing incidence of lung cancer worldwide,2 it is beneficial to focus on its causes to help prevent this devastating disease. Cigarette smoking and poverty are 2 of the most important factors to be confronted. The effectiveness of interventions supporting earlier detection or increased awareness of initial symptoms in people at high risk should be tested. To decrease incidence of lung cancer, nurses should consider supporting efforts to challenge the tobacco industry. At the level of service provision, health education needs to be improved, and appropriate end of life care should be made available to patients with lung cancer, who often face a rapid decline.3 Given the magnitude of the problem and the lack of attention it receives, the study by Corner et al suggests that there is value in questioning practice in order to assist the increasing numbers of patients likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer in the future.

Item Type: Article
Status: Published
Schools: Healthcare Sciences
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
R Medicine > RT Nursing
Additional Information: Commentary on: Corner J, Hopkinson J, Roffe L. Experience of health changes and reasons for delay in seeking care: a UK study of the months prior to the diagnosis of lung cancer. Soc Sci Med 2006;62:1381–91.
Publisher: RCN Publising
ISSN: 1367-6539
Related URLs:
Last Modified: 18 Oct 2022 13:19
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/13453

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