Factors influencing symptom appraisal and help-seeking of older adults with possible cancer: a mixed-methods systematic review.
Daniel JonesErica Di MartinoStephen H BradleyBlessing EssangScott HemphillJudy M WrightCristina RenziClaire SurrAndrew CleggRichard D NealPublished in: The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners (2022)
This review suggests that increasing age is associated with delayed cancer symptom appraisal. When symptoms are recognised as potentially serious, increasing age was associated with prompt help-seeking although other factors could prolong this. Policymakers, charities, and GPs should aim to ensure older adults are able to recognise potential symptoms of cancer and seek help promptly.