'One-stop shops' to speed up cancer diagnosis

New ‘one stop shops’ designed to speed-up cancer diagnosis are to be piloted in ten areas as part of NHS England’s drive to catch cancer early and speed up diagnosis.

Aiming to meet the new faster diagnosis standard, where patients with suspected cancer should receive a diagnosis or the all clear within 28-days, the concept for a multidisciplinary diagnostic centre originated in Denmark, and was developed in response to the issue of patients presenting with vague symptoms being referred for multiple tests, when they required an urgent diagnosis.

Therefore, the new centres will each operate in a different way to ensure they meet the needs of their local communities, meaning those diagnosed with cancer can be referred on to specialists, while those with benign conditions receive appropriate treatment and tailored advice about prevention.

Vague symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, appetite loss, abdominal discomfort or pain, fatigue, sweats of unexplained aetiology and general malaise.

Cally Palmer, National Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: “Early diagnosis is crucial to saving lives and providing peace of mind for patients, which is why we are driving forward plans to revolutionise our approach to cancer in this country. These new one stop shops represent a real step change in the way people with unclear symptoms are identified, diagnosed and treated.”

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of early diagnosis, added: “We’re confident that these ten pilot centres will give us a much better understanding of what’s needed to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of people with less obvious symptoms, improve their experience of care and, ultimately, survival. This is a first for this country and Cancer Research UK is delighted to be partnering with NHS England in this innovative initiative. The knowledge gained will support others looking to roll out similar approaches in future.”

The ten centres are located at: North Middlesex University Hospital, University College London Hospital, Southend University Hospital, Queens Hospital, Royal Free Hospital, St James University Hospital, Airedale General Hospital, University Hospital South Manchester, Royal Oldham Hospital and Churchill Hospital.