Early Diagnosis of Cancer

Early diagnosis of cancer is a huge priority in order to try to improve our cancer survival rates in the UK. Lisa and Sara took the opportunity to speak to Dr Sarah Taylor, GP in Fallowfield and Cancer Research UK Cancer Diagnosis Lead for Greater Manchester about this important subject.

It was recorded pre-Covid-19 and so some of the information given about services might have changed in your local area. We thought the general tips about picking up cancer as early as possible were incredibly useful however which is why we decided to release the episode. 

We cover why early diagnosis of cancer is a priority for the UK, learning points/common themes picked up from significant events in delayed cancer diagnosis, tools that we can use in primary care to help our pick up rate and useful resources for primary care.

Useful resources: 

• Gateway C: https://www.gatewayc.org.uk/

• Cancer Research UK Health Professional Section: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional

• Macmillan Health Professional Resources: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/health-professionals/resources

• QCancer Score: https://www.qcancer.org/

• Cancer Research UK Facilitator Programme: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/learning-and-support/about-our-partnerships/what-is-the-facilitator-programme

• NICE Suspected cancer - recognition and referral: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12

• BJGP - Improving early diagnosis of cancer in UK general practice: https://bjgp.org/content/67/659/276

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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/YLN6GKT

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This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Wigan CCG. Given that it is 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.

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