Diagnostic timeliness in adolescents and young adults with cancer: Cross-sectional findings from the BRIGHTLIGHT cohort

Abstract

BackgroundAdolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer are thought to experience prolonged diagnostic intervals but robust evidence quantifying such associations is lacking.AimTo examine diagnostic timeliness in a cohort of young people, identifying sociodemographic factors and cancer sites associated with variation in timeliness.MethodWe analysed data from 830 patients with cancer aged 12–24 who completed BRIGHTLIGHT face-to-face interviews, for variation in the patient interval (time from symptom onset to first healthcare presentation); the number of pre-referral GP consultations; and the total interval (time from symptom onset to diagnosis). We present descriptive statistics of these outcomes by patient characteristics and cancer site and multivariable regression models for adjusted estimates of associations.ResultsAmong participants, 27% experienced a patient interval of >1 month and 35% of those consulting a GP had 3 or more (3+) pre-referral consultations. The median total interval was 62 days. We hereafter highlight significant associations (<0.05). Females were more likely to have 3+ consultations and longer total intervals compared with males. Patients with lymphoma or bone tumours were most likely to have 3+ pre-referral consultations and those with melanoma least likely. Females and patients with bone tumours had the longest median total intervals and those with leukaemia the shortest.ConclusionThese data benchmark diagnostic timeliness for young people with cancer and identify subgroups at higher risk of prolonged diagnostic journeys. Further work is now required to prioritise and stratify early diagnosis initiatives for these subgroups.FundingNational Institute for Health Research (RP-PG-1209-10013); Teenage Cancer Trust; Cancer Research UK (A18180).