The diagnosis and treatment decisions of cancer patients in rural Western Australia.

BACKGROUND People living in rural areas who have a diagnosis of cancer have poorer outcomes than people living in urban centers. The reasons for this are unclear. Little is known about the impact that living in a rural area has on the diagnosis and treatment decisions of these people and how these may in turn impact on care outcomes. OBJECTIVES This study explored the reasons why people living in rural areas may delay diagnosis and what issues affected the decisions they made regarding their cancer treatment. METHODS In depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 18 participants from 3 rural Western Australian health regions. Content analysis was used to develop themes. RESULTS Four themes were identified to describe the rural cancer experience. The first 3 themes, Experiences of Diagnosis and Referral, The Treatment Journey, and Managing your own Care, relate to the experiences of rural cancer patients during their journey through the health care system. The final overarching theme, Implicit Faith, described the level of confidence that rural cancer patients had in the health system, often despite delays and inconveniences. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to improve primary health care and care coordination for rural cancer patients living in Australia and to promote self-advocacy and consumer empowerment for rural cancer patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Rural patients need help and support throughout their cancer journey, including through the process of diagnosis.