Gendered Barriers to Early Cancer Detection: A Rapid Review for Primary Care

While lung cancer is often perceived as a disease of older male smokers, incidence is rising among young women. This project addresses a critical gap in early diagnosis: the "communication chasm" in primary care. Emerging evidence suggests women are 32% less likely than men to discuss lung cancer screening with GPs and often face gender-related biases. The student will conduct a rapid evidence review of international literature. They will explore how gendered communication patterns and "symptom appraisal" (how women interpret and report their own health) influence the decision to consult a GP. The project will specifically focus on the knowledge exchange between young women and healthcare providers, identifying why certain "red flag" symptoms are overlooked or minimised. The student will receive training in systematic literature searching, critical appraisal, and qualitative data synthesis. They will produce a structured evidence summary highlighting gaps in how primary care manages oncological symptoms in women. This project aligns with the mission to improve early diagnosis and tackle health inequalities within Yorkshire. This is an ideal placement for a student interested in medical humanities, public health, or clinical communication, offering them a chance to contribute to a high-impact area of cancer equity. Students will need to find their own accommodation and be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York on 08th September 2026.