Exploring Breast Referral Behaviours in Primary Care

The study will explore the experiences of women going to see their GP with breast-related health concerns and will involve finding out more about factors which may help and hinder them getting referred to a specialist for suspected breast cancer. As well as considering implications for further research, the study aims to inform clinical practice in terms of potential improvements to related medical education and the development of tools that could be introduced/refined for enhancing GP referrals in this area. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer amongst UK women, with incidence rates increasing by around a quarter since the early 1990s. It accounts for 30% of all female diagnosed cancers and causes around 11,500 deaths in the UK annually. Early detection is key as stage at diagnosis is the most important predictor of health outcome and most cancers are diagnosed after symptomatic patients see their GP. This highlights the pivotal role of primary care with managing breast-related abnormalities in a timely and appropriate manner. Little is currently known about the research area, particularly from a qualitative standpoint. Adult females who have been referred to secondary care by their GP because of a breast health concern will be eligible to take part in the study. Participants will mainly be recruited through the Nottingham Breast Institute, East Midlands GP surgeries, and the study funder's digital/online influencer channels. Participants will be involved in semi-structured interviews or focus groups, with the data collection phase expected to take around six months. The study is funded by breast health awareness charity, Coppafeel!. The findings of a systematic review and analysis of breast cancer-related online support group messages, focusing on the experiences relating to women seeing their GP with breast-health issues (also being undertaken by the researcher), will also be used to triangulate and inform study findings.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Cisgender females (assigned to the female sex at birth)
* Aged 18 years and over (no upper age limit)
* Have/had breast-related health concerns regardless of breast cancer diagnosis
* Have presented their symptoms initially in a primary care setting rather than having been alerted to potential issues during routine breast screening
* Been referred from primary care within the previous year
* Be using the NHS healthcare system in either England or Wales.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Females who would need a language translator to take part in the study.