COVID-19 Episode 9: Suspected Cancer During COVID-19

With so much changing in how we work in general practice at the moment, assessing and investigating patients for suspected cancer symptoms can be a challenge. To help talk us through the current situation, Lisa and Sara speak to:

• Dr Sarah Taylor: GP in Fallowfield and Cancer Research UK Cancer Diagnosis Lead for Greater Manchester
• Dr Viren Mehta: GP in Cheadle, Clinical Director at Stockport CCG and Clinical Director at his PCN
  

We discuss:

• Thoughts around how to assess patients with suspected cancer at the moment, including discussion around the remote nature of working currently and the challenges that come with this
• How to approach ‘cough’ presentations, remembering to continue to consider lung cancer
• Advice around how to decide who to see face to face
• The advice around suspected cancer referrals to secondary care at the moment
• What patients can now expect following a referral to secondary care for suspected cancer
  

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Useful resources: 

• Greater Manchester Cancer Lung Pathway Board - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Centre: https://gmcancer.org.uk/coronavirus/
• NICE - Suspected Cancer: Recognition and Referral: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12
• BMA - Taking and Using Pictures and Recordings of Patients: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/ethics/confidentiality-and-health-records/taking-and-using-pictures-and-recordings-of-patients

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We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our really quick anonymous survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

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This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.