The 'RURALLY' research study has uncovered potential barriers for patients with symptoms of bowel cancer from seeing their GP. 

Findings of the study suggest poor relationships with GPs, losing time from work, and cultural beliefs about ‘not making a fuss’ as just some of the factors preventing people from rural Yorkshire from seeking help for cancer symptoms. The findings will improve understanding and strategies to support communities across Yorkshire in coming forward with cancer symptoms.

'One of the first ever studies'

Dr Christina Dobson, Senior Research Associate in the Population Health Science Institute at Newcastle University, and lead researcher for the study, said: “We are thrilled to be able to launch this animation, sharing not only the findings of our research but also the importance of consulting early for possible symptoms of bowel cancer."

“Our researchers looked at the obstacles that people in rural areas face in relation to consulting their GP, and we found that rural life, employment, and a tendency to be stoic about illness all impacted people’s willingness to see their GP. Relationships between GPs and rural patients, however, were a key factor that could help or hinder early presentation."

“We are incredibly thankful to everyone who took part in the research, particularly those who helped to co-produce the animation, sharing their insight and creativity to make it such a great success, and spreading the word about it in their communities. We are excited to see how we can develop this work to improve the experiences and survival of rural cancer patients in Yorkshire and beyond.

"We are also grateful to Yorkshire Cancer Research for funding the study, which is one of the first of its kind to examine the reasons for rural cancer inequalities.”

Hundreds from the region participated

More than 700 people from the region took part in surveys, with 40 people giving their experience of symptoms through a range of meticulous interviews, including the challenges they face in accessing health care in rural areas. Those who participated in the study were invited to attend the showcase to see how their involvement helped inform the findings.

As part of the event, guests were involved in workshops on how the findings of the study could best be used to support people in rural communities to speak to their GP about any symptoms and increase awareness of the importance of an early diagnosis.

Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research and Services at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “It was great to be able to attend the showcase and meet some of the people who helped make the study such a great success.

“Studies like RURALLY play a vital role in helping to inform new and innovative ways of supporting people in rural communities to see their GP with any symptoms of cancer.

“The new animation will help bring the findings of the research to more people across the region and hopefully increase awareness of the importance of early diagnosis. It could also inform GP practices and other Health Care Practices on how to best support their rural communities.”

(Press release adapted with thanks to Yorkshire Cancer Research)

You can watch the animation here, and you can find out more about the research funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.