Trial introduced to diagnose breast cancer earlier

4 hours ago

Aimee DexterCambridgeshire

News image — People can be referred to Addenbrooke's, Peterborough City or Hinchingbrooke hospitals

CUH/NWAFT A sign outside of a building is on the left. It is blue and has white writing on it, which reads "Cambridge Breast Unit Precision Breast Cancer Institute". There are hedges and trees surrounding the sign. — People can be referred to Addenbrooke's, Peterborough City or Hinchingbrooke hospitals

A trial will see patients with worrying breast cancer symptoms able to book appointments directly with diagnostic clinics, without going to see their GP.

The pilot will run across Addenbrooke's, Hinchingbrooke and Peterborough City hospitals in Cambridgeshire.

Self-referrals would be made through NHS 111 online or the NHS app, aimed at speeding up diagnoses and easing pressure on GP services.

Dr James Tanner, consultant radiologist at Cambridge University Hospitals which oversees Addenbrooke's, said: "The self-referral service enables us to either rule out cancer for the vast majority of patients or provide an earlier diagnosis, which gives the best possibility of successful treatment."

CUH/NWAFT Dr James Tanner is off-centre to the right. He is sitting on a black chair at computers which are showing a breast screening image. He has short brown hair and is wearing black framed glasses, a blue striped shirt and a black lanyard. — Dr James Tanner said the trial would make a "huge difference" to patients

Patients who meet the criteria will be offered direct self-referral to the specialist breast services at the three hospitals.

Those who do not meet it will be provided with advice and signposted to alterative services.

Tanner said: "This new service will make a huge difference for patients with breast cancer symptoms during what can be a stressful and anxious time."

About 400 patients a week have been referred to specialist breast services at the hospitals through their GP, with on average 5% of patients being diagnosed with breast cancer.