Patients' views on testing for prostate cancer: a vignette-based study of primary care attendees

Abstract

Patients’ views on testing for cancer may influence their help-seeking behaviour; thereby contributing to diagnostic delays and worse cancer outcomes. A recent study showed that patients (mainly of white ethnic origin) were willing to be investigated for lung, pancreas and colorectal cancers at risk levels lower than offered within the National Health Services (NHS). This may be different in the ethnic minority population. Minorities have lower awareness of cancer symptoms and are less likely to seek help promptly when symptomatic.