Patterns of diagnostic testing for oesophagogastric cancer-related symptoms in Australian primary care: A retrospective cohort study

Patterns of diagnostic testing for oesophagogastric cancer-related symptoms in Australian primary care: A retrospective cohort study

Oesophagogastric (OG) cancer-associated symptoms are common in primary care. Existing evidence has focused on patients with a diagnosis of OG cancer rather than those with symptoms presenting to general practice for the first time. Older patients (aged ≥75 years) and those from disadvantaged areas were less likely to be investigated while patients with multiple symptoms or visits were more likely to undergo pathology and/or imaging or specialist referral. Of 44 402 patients aged >55 years with upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, 0.3% (n = 126) were diagnosed with OG cancer. A more systematic and equitable approach is required to investigate upper GI symptoms in primary care, to reduce variations in cancer outcomes.