Experience of, awareness of and help-seeking for potential cancer symptoms in smokers and non-smokers: a cross-sectional study

Walabyeki, Julie; Adamson, Joy; Buckley, Hannah L.; Sinclair, Helena; Atkin, Karl; Graham, Hilary; Whitaker, Katriina; Wardle, Jane; Macleod, Una

Abstract

Background
Presenting to primary care with potential cancer symptoms is contingent on one’s ability to recognize potentially serious symptoms. We investigated differences between smokers and non-smokers in symptoms experienced, awareness and consulting of potential respiratory, head and neck cancer symptoms.

Methods
Smokers and non-smokers aged over 50 from Yorkshire general practice lists were sent a postal questionnaire asking about symptoms, consulting and awareness of cancer symptoms. Data were analysed using STATA14.

Results
Response rate after one reminder was 30.5% (1205/3954). Smoking status was associated with experience of cough (p

Citation

Walabyeki, J., Adamson, J., Buckley, H. L., Sinclair, H., Atkin, K., Graham, H., Whitaker, K., Wardle, J., & Macleod, U. (2017). Experience of, awareness of and help-seeking for potential cancer symptoms in smokers and non-smokers: a cross-sectional study. PLoS ONE, 12(8), e0183647. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183647

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 9, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Aug 28, 2017
• Publication Date: Aug 28, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 18, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 18, 2018
• Journal: PLOS ONE
• Print ISSN: 1932-6203
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 8
• Article Number: e0183647
• Pages: e0183647
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183647
• Keywords: General biochemistry; Genetics and molecular biology; General agricultural and biological sciences; General medicine
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/548033
• Publisher URL: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0183647
• Contract Date: Jan 18, 2018