The relationship between patient enablement and help‐seeking in the context of blood cancer symptoms

Abstract Objective Approaches to improve earlier diagnosis of cancer often focus on symptom awareness as a key driver of help‐seeking behaviour and other psychological influences are less well understood. This is the first study to explore the role of patient enablement on help‐seeking for people experiencing potential blood cancer symptoms. Methods A cross‐sectional, nationally representative survey was completed by 434 respondents (>18 years). Questions asked about symptom experiences, medical help‐seeking and re‐consultation. Existing patient enablement items were included in the newly developed Blood Cancer Awareness Measure. We collected data on patient socio‐demographic characteristics. Results Of those responding to the survey 224/434 (51.6%) reported experiencing at least one potential blood cancer symptom. Half of those experiencing symptoms (112/224) had sought medical help. Results from logistic regression analysis showed that higher scores on patient enablement were associated with being less likely to seek help (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.89, Confidence Interval [CI] 0.81–0.98) after controlling for socio‐demographics. Separate analyses showed that higher enablement was associated with being more comfortable to re‐consult if symptoms didn't go away or got worse (OR 1.31, CI 1.16–1.48); after a test result suggested there was nothing to worry about, but symptoms persisted (OR 1.23, CI 1.12–1.34) or to request further tests, scans or investigations (OR 1.31, CI 1.19–1.44). Conclusions Contrary to our hypotheses, patient enablement was associated with lower likelihood of help‐seeking for potential blood cancer symptoms. Yet enablement appears to play an important role in likelihood of re‐consulting when symptoms persist, get worse or need further investigation.