The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Timely diagnosis of cancer in patients who present with symptoms in primary care is a quality-improvement priority. ⋯ In the 5-year period, including the year when national guidelines were updated (that is, 2015), there were substantial improvements to the diagnostic process of patients who present to general practice in England with symptoms of a subsequently diagnosed cancer.
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Cancer is predominantly a disease of older adults. To date there has been little research on the experiences of older adults or their views on the diagnostic pathway. ⋯ Older adults who present to primary care with symptoms suggestive of cancer may accept diagnostic testing solely for the benefit of knowing the diagnosis. There was a clear patient preference that referrals and investigations for cancer symptoms should not be deferred or delayed based on age or subjective assessments of frailty. Shared decision making and being involved in the decision-making process are important to patients, regardless of age.
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The burden of osteoarthritis (OA) in UK primary care has not been investigated thoroughly. ⋯ People with OA had increased rates of GP consultations, admissions to hospital, and all-cause mortality that varied across joint sites.