Referral challenges for early-onset colorectal cancer: a qualitative study in UK primary care

In the United Kingdom incidence rates have increased in the 25-49 year age group by 48% since the early 1990s. Paradoxically, the incidence rates in older patients are decreasing or appear to have stabilised, which is believed to be due to the introduction of bowel screening and improved awareness of the disease within this population group.

It is well documented that younger patients experience longer diagnostic delays than their older counterparts.<br><br>National surveys have highlighted significant barriers to younger patients access timely care, which may be contributing to the late stage of presentation commonly seen in this population group. The purpose of this research is to explore awareness amongst General Practitioners (GPs) of the increasing incidence of early onset colorectal cancer {EOCRC) and to understand the potential barriers or facilitators faced by GPs when reforming younger adults with features suspicious for EOCRC. <br><br>Qualitative methodology, using virtual semi-structured interviews with seventeen GPs within Northern Ireland (NI).