The aim of this study is to find out what, from their own experience, European patients and their loved ones and carers, primary and secondary healthcare professionals think are the main causes of delayed cancer diagnosis. There are many possible reasons for delays in cancer diagnosis. The aim of this project is to identify these reasons so that we can recommend possible ways to reduce these delays.

They are surveying people in at least 10 European countries, so will be able to understand the experiences and views of a large number of people, with different backgrounds, from different countries. We will analyse the results using thematic analysis.

The findings will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals as well as by conference presentations and other media (e.g. newsletters, websites, meetings, etc.).

The study is being led by: Michael Harris, University of Bath, England; Bernardino Oliva Fanlo, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBA), Spain; Magda Gavana, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. The study has received no funding.