Pathways to a Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to identify and describe pathways to a lung cancer diagnosis based on narratives of persons diagnosed with the disease. Data sources Eleven adults with lung cancer were recruited from an academic thoracic oncology clinic in a large city in the southeastern United States. Moderately structured interviews were conducted by an experienced nurse practitioner (NP) to obtain information regarding the participants’ experiences leading to their diagnosis. Qualitative content analysis was used to develop a typology of pathways. Conclusions Findings revealed four distinct pathways: missing opportunities, waiting and seeing, being alarmed, and being blindsided. Implications for practice The Pathways to a Lung Cancer Diagnosis Typology has important implications for clinical practice and can be used to inform NPs and other healthcare providers who provide care for patients at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer.