Patterns of diagnostic testing for OG cancer related symptoms including cost analysis of testing
Project Details
Symptoms associated with cancer, referred to as 'cancer symptoms,' often share characteristics with non-cancer conditions commonly seen in general practice. The diversity of potential diagnoses in primary care, combined with low cancer prevalence, can result in significant testing variations, the full extent and implications of which remain unclear.
This project aimed to enhance our understanding of diagnostic testing patterns for common upper gastrointestinal symptoms associated with oesophagogastric cancer in Victorian general practice.
Patron ID: PAT1033_3
Project Lead: Prof Jon Emery
Research Outcomes
Oesophagogastric (OG) cancer-associated symptoms are common in primary care but most research has focused on patients with a confirmed OG cancer diagnosis rather than those presenting with symptoms for the first time.
We analysed the proportion of patients who underwent pathology, imaging, referral, endoscopy or a test of treatment. Differences across socioeconomic groups were also examined along with the proportion of patients diagnosed with OG cancer. The study cohort consisted of 44,402 patients, of whom 126 (0.28%) were diagnosed with OG cancer within 12 months of presentation.
- Reflux was the most common symptom (57%), followed by nausea (11%)
- Patients over 75 were less likely to be investigated or referred
- Those from less disadvantaged areas were 1.4 times more likely to be investigated
- Patients on 'test of treatment' medications were less likely to receive further investigation
- Multiple symptoms and visits increased the likelihood of investigation
Research Publications
Lei, S., Venning, B., Pearce, A., Lee, A. and Emery, J (2024). Patterns of Diagnostic Testing for Oesophagogastric Cancer-Related Symptoms in Australian General Practice. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74 (745): e517-e526. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2023.0583