Cancer diagnosis path affects treatment options

Public Health England has released new data which shows that the way that cancer patients are diagnosed may affect their treatment options.

Individual patients’ route to diagnosis, including screening, GP referrals, and emergency presentations, are linked by national data to the treatment patients go on to receive, finding that those diagnosed through screening were likely to have the most treatment options available, including receiving treatments aimed at curing the cancer, in particular surgery to completely remove the tumour.

Public Health England points to the fact that screening as a way of diagnosing cancer early leads to better patient outcomes, those diagnosed through screening, GP referral, or following an urgent 2-week referral saw more potentially curative treatment compared with those diagnosed through an emergency presentation.

Dr Jem Rashbass, cancer lead at Public Health England, said: “This new data allows us to see clearly how the route through which someone is diagnosed with cancer affects the treatment that they go on to receive. It reinforces the importance of early diagnosis, be that through screening or GP referral – the earlier you get diagnosed with cancer the better. It’s important to be aware of any unexplained changes to your body, such as the sudden appearance of a lump, blood in your urine, or a change to your usual bowel habits. If you have any concerns, always speak to your GP.”