GPs must be able to refer patients for scans to test for cancer, according to new UK guidance.
The guidance is intended to speed up and improve rates of cancer diagnosis – helping to tackle the complaint that slow detection is costing thousands of lives in the UK.
It has been issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as a quality standard.
It says there are specific tests for oesophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer that should be used.
This should include direct access to gastrointestinal endoscopy when a GP fears oesophageal or stomach cancer, NICE says. In addition, GPs should ensure patients have a faecal blood test if there is concern about colorectal cancer – but not to the extent of justifying a referral.
And it calls for efforts to ensure patients attend appointments when they have been referred for investigation for suspected cancer.
NICE quotes estimates that up to 10,000 people die every year in England because of delayed diagnosis of cancer.
Professor Gillian Leng, from NICE, said: “When we published our updated suspected cancer guidance last year we said the best way to successfully treat cancer was to make an early diagnosis. It is a simple step that has the potential to save thousands of lives each year.
“In this quality standard we’re highlighting the need to give GPs the ability to refer patients directly for key tests such as MRI, X-ray and CT scans for suspected cancer so we can make that process even faster.
“We also want to ensure that everyone who is referred for further tests attends their appointment as this could be vital for a swift diagnosis but also because missed appointments delays other patients and wastes precious NHS resources.
“We have also highlighted tests for suspected oesophageal or stomach cancer and colorectal cancer that could make a big difference to patients’ chances.”
The charity Macmillan Cancer Support said the guidance would need to be backed by investment in diagnostic services.
Duleep Allirajah, from the charity, said: "A GP is usually the first clinician a person will see if they have any symptoms so it’s vital they are equipped to test people as early as possible to ensure the best chance of survival.
“We know currently many people have to wait anxiously for a diagnosis, particularly when we see waiting times targets being missed time and time again."
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