Introduction
Over 10,000 bladder cancers were diagnosed each year in the UK between 2017 and 2019. They accounted for 3% of all cancers1. Over 13,000 kidney cancers were diagnosed each year in the UK between 2017 and 2019. They accounted for 4% of all cancers2.
Resources
1. NICE CKS (Clinical Knowledge Series) Urological Cancers: Recognition and Referral
The NICE Clinical Knoweldge Summary (CKS) for urological cancers provides the most recent NICE Guidance (as of April 2025) covering the recognition and referral of suspected urological cancers, including prostate, bladder, renal, testicular, and penile cancers.
Time to read: approx. 3 minutes
2. Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance Urgent Suspected Urological Cancer Referral Proforma
The 2WW Urgent Suspected Cancer (USC) referral forms can be accessed via the link in the box at the top of this webpage. The listed proformas are recommended to be used in Cheshire and Merseyside when referring to secondary care. You will find the referral form, EMIS template as well as information on the Rockwood Scale.
3. East Midlands Cancer Alliance Infographic on NICE NG12 Guidelines on Referral for Suspected Bladder and Renal Cancer.
The East Midlands Cancer Alliance NG12 infographic: Bladder and renal cancer summarises the referral pathway of patients with suspected bladder and renal cancer.
(Free access, login required)
Time to view: 45 seconds
4. GatewayC: Focus on Urological Cancers
This resource includes:
- A video discussion with a Consultant Urologist covering testicular, renal and bladder cancers. Topics include include risk factors, referral advice, significance of visible and non-visible haematuria, UTIs, renal cysts and the value of ultrasound investigation.
Time to view: 9 minutes
- A downloadable “Think A-G” infographic summary of renal, bladder and testicular cancer (with some reference to Greater Manchester’s suspected urological cancer referral proforma).
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
- A fast bitesize video which is a quick summary of the “Think A-G” early diagnosis guide for renal, bladder and testicular cancer.
Time to view: 3 minutes
(Free access, login required)
5. Red Whale: Bladder and Kidney Cancer
A summary of bladder and kidney cancers including risk factors, clinical presentation, referral guidelines, diagnosis pitfalls, and downloadable PDFs on managing visible and non-visible haematuria and investigating lower urinary tract symptoms.
Red Whale | Bladder and kidney cancer
(Log in access needed – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 30 minutes
References
(1) Bladder Cancer Incidence Statistics CRUK
Bladder cancer incidence statistics | Cancer Research UK
(2) Kidney Cancer Incidence Statistics CRUK
Introduction
These are rare cancers.
- Sarcomas can be categorised into bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas (which also have subtypes).
- Overall, sarcomas account for less than 2% of all cancers diagnosed in the UK (2019, Sarcoma UK1). Approximately 500 new bone sarcomas, and 3,000 soft tissue sarcomas are diagnosed in the UK each year2.
- They can occur in both sexes and are among the more common cancers in children, teenagers and young people2.
- A full time GP is likely to diagnose one person with a bone sarcoma, and one person with a soft tissue sarcoma in their career2.
- Due to the rarity of these cancers, increased awareness and recognition in primary care is important to avoid missed or delayed diagnoses.
Resources
1. NICE Guideline (NG12) Suspected Cancer: Recognition and Referral: 1.11 Sarcomas
The official NICE NG12 guidelines for suspected sarcoma covers the recognition and referral of suspected sarcoma and highlights the separate recommended referral pathways for adults compared to children and young people.
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
2. NICE CKS (Clinical Knowledge Series) Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Recognition and Referral.
The NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS) for sarcoma referral provides further detail to the NG12 guidelines and includes recognition and referral for bone and soft tissue sarcoma.
Time to read: approx. 10 minutes
3. Sarcoma UK: Diagnosing Sarcoma
The Sarcoma UK: Diagnosis of sarcoma resource provides useful patient information about the diagnosis, investigation, staging, and treatment of sarcoma. Sarcoma UK also offers support via a support line and access to support groups.
Time to read: approx. 15 minutes
4. Red Whale: Bone Cancer and Sarcoma.
The Red Whale: Bone cancer and sarcoma review covers the diagnosis and management of bone and soft tissue sarcomas, including cases with metastatic disease. It offers practical guidance on early diagnosis and is a useful resource for AKT preparation.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 20 minutes
5. GatewayC: Sarcoma
The GatewayC online sarcoma course covers the diagnosis, investigation, and referral of suspected sarcoma through case studies, patient video stories and video discussions between a GP and specialist. A printable summary and CPD certificate is available at the end.
(Free access, but needs log in)
Time to complete: approx. 60 minutes
References
(1) Sarcoma Incidence 2019, Sarcoma UK.
https://
(2) NICE: Clinical knowledge summaries, bone & soft tissue sarcoma – recognition & referral: How common is it? (April 2025)
Introduction
Just over 12,000 new primary brain and CNS cancers are diagnosed in the UK each year (2019 data). These account for 3% of all cancers in the UK1. Diagnosis can be difficult due to the rarity of these cancers, and symptoms are often non-specific or interpreted as being attributable to other more common non-cancerous conditions2.
Resources
1. NICE Guideline (NG12) Suspected Cancer: Recognition and Referral: 1.9 Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers.
The official NICE NG12 guidelines for suspected brain and central nervous system cancers provides a brief overview.
Time to read: approx. 3 minutes
2. South-East London Cancer Alliance in Partnership with Guys Cancer Academy: Online Learning Module on Brain and CNS Cancers:
The Guy's Academy: Brain and CNS cancers online learning module covers types of brain and CNS cancers, risk factors, signs and symptoms, urgent investigations and referral criteria. It includes a case study and a summary of key learning points.
(Free access, no login required)
Time to complete: approx. 10 minutes
3. NICE CKS (Clinical Knowledge Series) Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers: Recognition and Referral.
The NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS) for brain and CNS cancers offers recognition and referral guidance on brain and CNS cancers, including background information, symptoms and signs, referral advice, scenarios for adults, children, and young people, safety netting, and patient information and support.
Time to read: approx. 20 minutes
4. Red Whale: Brain Tumours in Adults and Children
The Red Whale: Brain tumours in adults and children article provides GPs with factual information on recognising, diagnosing, and referring suspected brain tumours. It includes a link to a helpful online decision tool.
(Login required– see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 20 minutes
5. GatewayC podcast: GPs Talk Cancer: Brain Tumours
The GatewayC: Brain tumour early diagnosis online course features interactive video patient stories and GP specialist discussions. It helps identify when symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual changes, cognitive issues, and seizures are cancer-related or not. A printable summary of key points is provided at the end. CPD certification is also available.
(Free access, login required)
Time to listen: 43 minutes
6. GatewayC: Online Learning Module: Brain Tumour Early Diagnosis
The GatewayC: GPs Talk cancer podcast episode addresses the early diagnosis of brain tumours in primary care, featuring discussions between GPs and secondary care about the challenges of interpreting symptoms.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
References
(1) Cancer Research UK: Brain, other CNS and intracranial tumours incidence.
(2) Missed opportunities for diagnosing brain tumours in primary care: a qualitative study of patient experiences. BJGP 2019 Mar 12;69(681) 224-235
Introduction
Over 49,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, making it the most prevalent cancer in women. Most primary breast cancers in the UK are diagnosed through two routes:
- The NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP), which offers mammography every 3 years to women between the ages of 50 and 70. (diagnoses approximately one third of breast cancers).
- The remaining two-thirds of patients with breast cancer present, generally, to primary care, with symptoms such as a breast lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, or nipple inversion.1
Resources
1. Red Whale – Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Terminology article
The Red Whale: Breast cancer article briefly summarises referral guidance, risk factors, staging and types of breast cancer
(Login required– see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
2. BJGP article - Breast pain: assessment, management, and referral criteria
The BJGP: Breast pain article summarises possible causes of breast pain, primary care assessment and management
(Free access, no log in for article)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
3. ABS Gynecomastia guidance
One page reference guide for investigations recommended to be done in primary care. Can be printed as a quick reference guide.
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
References
Introduction
Cancer occurs in 1 in 1000 pregnancies, and 25% of these are diagnosed during pregnancy. The most common cancers seen are gastrointestinal and breast. Diagnosis can be difficult as symptoms of cancer may be incorrectly attributed to the pregnancy1.
1. MBRRACE-UK: Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care, Section 4: pp36-49, October 2024.
The MBRRACE-UK report highlights lessons learned from the UK and Ireland confidential enquiries into maternal deaths and morbidity between 2020-2022. It is a large document but includes useful infographic summaries on cancer in pregnancy (see page iv), with the main content on pages 36-49.
Time to read: approx. 20 minutes
2. Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance: Cancer in Pregnancy: Summary Highlights of MBRRACE-UK Report.
This PDF summary highlights the key points of the MBRRACE report and can be printed as a quick reference guide.
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
3. GatewayC: Cancer keys: Cancer in Pregnancy
The GatewayC: Cancer in pregnancy summary report provides a concise overview of diagnostic challenges and highlights the significance of patient awareness in understanding symptoms.
(Free access, login required)
Time to read: approx. 5 mins
4. GatewayC: GPs Talk Cancer: Cancer in Pregnancy Podcast
The GatewayC: GPs Talk Cancer podcast episode offers an accessible and concise format specifically designed for primary care professionals. It features discussions between a GP, an oncologist, a patient, and a representative from the leading charity, Mummy’s Star. Topics include types of cancer during pregnancy, challenges and delays in diagnosis, patient experiences, and safety netting strategies.
(Free access, login required)
Time to listen: 12 minutes
5. GatewayC: Cancer Conversations: Cancer in Pregnancy
The GatewayC: Cancer in pregnancy - Cancer Conversations video summary of the above report provides a concise overview of diagnostic challenges and highlights the significance of patient awareness in understanding symptoms.
Time to view: 12 minutes
(Free access, login required)
6. GatewayC: Breast Cancer and Cancer in Pregnancy
The GatewayC: GPs Talk Cancer podcast: Breast cancer in pregnancy episode features an informal discussion between a GP and the founder of Mummy’s Star (Peter Wallroth), a charity for breast cancer in pregnancy. They discuss patient cases, symptoms, investigations, family history (BRCA), chemotherapy during pregnancy, recurrence, safety netting, NICE guidance, and referrals.
Time to listen: 35 minutes
(Free access, login required)
7. Mummy’s Star: Cancer Support in and Around Pregnancy.
Founded in 2013 by Peter Wallroth in memory of his wife, Mummy's Star is a charity which focus on cancer in pregnancy. The website features personal patient stories and is a valuable resource for understanding the patient’s perspective.
References
(1) MBRRACE-UK: Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care, Section 4: pp36-49, October 2024
Introduction
- Between 2017 and 2019, approximately 1,900 cases of childhood cancer were diagnosed annually, with 45% occurring in children under the age of 51.
- Childhood cancers accounted for 1% of all cancer cases.
- A GP may see one child with cancer every 5-10 years.
- Approximately a third of cases are due to leukaemia, one third due to CNS and brain cancers, and one third of “other” cancers.
Resources
1. NICE Guideline (NG12) Suspected Cancer: Recognition and Referral: 1.12 Childhood Cancers, 1.13 Non-Specific Site Symptoms: Children and Young People
The official NICE NG12 guideline for suspected childhood cancers covers recognition and referral of neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and Wilms tumour.
Time to read: approx. 3 minutes
2. NICE CKS (Clinical Knowledge Series): Childhood Cancers: Recognition and Referral
The NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS) for childhood cancers offers detailed guidance on recognition and referral of neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and Wilms tumour.
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
3. Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust: Regional Red Flags for Childhood Cancer
The downloadable, printable Red flags infographic by Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust summarises key red flag symptoms indicating potential cancer in children. It serves as a quick reference guide.
(Free access)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
4. Red Whale Article: Presenting Symptoms of Cancer in Children
The Red Whale: Cancer symptoms in children review highlights childhood cancer symptoms, red flags, early diagnosis improvement, and types of childhood cancer.
(Log in access needed – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to view: 15 minutes
5. Red Whale Article: Cancer in Teenagers and Young Adults
The Red Whale: Cancer in Teenagers and Young adults article provides general principles and practical advice in reducing diagnostic delays in children’s cancers.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 10 minutes
6. Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust: Childhood Cancer for General Practitioner
The 'Childhood cancer for GPs' by Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust downloadable PDF presentationoutlines principles of early diagnosis, cancer types, signs and symptoms, challenges in diagnosis, red flags, safety netting, the role of primary care in managing after-effects of treatments, vaccination advice for children with cancer, and palliative care. There is a useful summary at the end.
(Free access)
Time to read: approx. 30 minutes
7. GatewayC: Paediatric Cancers: Early Diagnosis
The GatewayC: Paediatric cancer early diagnosis interactive course includes video discussions and written summaries between a GP and a specialist. It covers topics including cancer types, signs and symptoms to monitor, critical red flags, communication practices and history taking with parents and children, management of unilateral lymph node enlargement, investigations, and referral procedures. A printable summary is available and CPD certificate provided upon completion.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
8. Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance Urgent Suspected Cancer (2WW) Referral Forms: Children
The Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance: Urgent suspected cancer referral proforma has been developed as an update to the 2WW forms.
9. Younger Adults and Cancer: Module for Primary Care (South East London Cancer Alliance)
Younger Adults and Cancer: Module for Primary Care (South East London Cancer Alliance) is an e-learning module highlighting risk factors, common presentations, diagnostic pathways, younger adult concerns including fertility issues, communication and support for young adults with cancer. Optional submodules are included.
(Free access)
References
(1) CRUK: Children’s and Young Persons Cancer Data Hub.
https://
Introduction
Around 40,000 new cases of colorectal cancers are diagnosed each year in the UK, with up to a quarter of these identified through screening. A full time GP is likely to diagnose approximately one person with colorectal cancer annually. The 5-year survival is approximately 60%, though this figure includes cancers detected by screening as well as those identified after symptoms have occurred.1
Resources
1. Cheshire and Merseyside (C&M) Cancer Alliance Colorectal Resources
The Tumour specific: Colorectal page on the Cancer Academy website details the local Cheshire and Merseyside revised lower GI pathway including expanded use of FIT testing, aligning to guidance from the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI).
The Cheshire and Merseyside pathway REPLACES the current NG12 and DG30 guidance in your area and affects all patients aged 18 years and above with suspected LGI cancers.
Time to read: approx. 30 minutes
2. Cheshire and Merseyside (C&M) Cancer Alliance suspected lower GI Cancer quick reference guide
One page summary of the CMCA lower GI pathway that can be downloaded and printed to use as a reference tool.
3. GatewayC ‘GPs Talk Cancer’ Podcast – Lower GI Cancer - ‘Are you passing more or less than a teaspoonful?’
The GatewayC: GPs Talk Cancer podcast on lower GI cancer covers statistics, patient cases, safety-netting, FIT testing and the differences between screening and symptomatic tests, bowel cancer in younger patients, family history, NICE guidelines and referral.
(Free access, login required)
Time to listen: 37 minutes
3. GatewayC Fast Facts – FIT for clinician
One page summary infographic with 5 key points around FIT testing including when to test, examination, sample taking, safety netting and screening thresholds. Can be printed as a quick reference guide.
Time to read: approx. 3 minutes
Introduction
Blood cancers have a higher rate of emergency diagnosis than other cancer types (33%). Early diagnosis has a significant impact on both survival rates and patient experience1.
Myeloma is a blood cancer that arises from the plasma cells of the bone marrow. 73% of patients diagnosed with myeloma are aged over 65 years, but it can affect younger people. Complications of myeloma include bone damage, renal impairment, infections, and anaemia2.
Lymphomas are a diverse and relatively common cancer type in the UK. Most patients diagnosed with lymphoma have a life expectancy of at least five years. Lymphoma treatments can have long-term health consequences, and patients with a history of lymphoma have a higher risk of subsequently developing other cancers3.
Resources
1. NICE CKS – Haematological Cancers- Recognition and Referral
The official NICE NG12 guidelines for haematological cancers provide a brief overview of recognition and referral of suspected haematological cancers
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
Lymphoma
2. Red Whale – Lymphoma Article
The Red Whale: Lymphoma article summarises aetiology, presenting features, and referral guidelines.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
3. GatewayC – Lymphoma Course
The GatewayC: Lymphoma online course aims to support clinicians in recognising symptoms, including a neck lump, that could indicate lymphoma. It Includes a patient journey to diagnosis. CPD certificate available upon completion.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
Leukaemia
4. Red Whale – Leukaemia Article
The Red Whale: leukaemia article summarises aetiology, presenting features, and referral guidelines.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
5. GatewayC – Acute Leukaemia Course
The GatewayC: Acute leukaemia online course aims to support clinicians in recognising symptoms of possible acute leukaemia, including investigations and when to refer. It includes an interview with a patient with childhood experience of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. CPD certificate available upon completion.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
6. GatewayC – Chronic Leukaemia Course
The GatewayC: Chronic leukaemia course aims to support clinicians in recognising symptoms potentially indicating chronic leukaemia, including investigations and referral guidance. It includes case studies and patient stories. CPD certificate available upon completion.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
Myeloma
7. Red Whale – Myeloma Article
The Red Whale myeloma article summarises aetiology, presenting features, and referral guidelines.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
8. GatewayC ‘Cancer keys’ - When to Suspect Myeloma
The GatewayC: Overview of key facts about myeloma includes presenting symptoms, blood result abnormalities and pitfalls in diagnosis.
(Free access, login required)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
9. Myeloma, MGUS and Related Conditions – a Guide for GPs – Myeloma UK
The Myeloma UK brief reference handbook for myeloma and MGUS for GPs covers red flags, investigations, referral, management of MGUS and myeloma in primary care.
Time to read: approx. 15 minutes
10. GP’s talk Cancer Podcast– Myeloma ‘prevent that end organ damage’
The GatewayC: GPs Talk Cancer podcast on myeloma features a haematology consultant discussing presenting features, introducing the C.R.A.B acronym, MGUS, staging, and recommended primary care investigations.
(Free access, login required)
Time to listen: 36 minutes
11. GatewayC – Myeloma Course
The GatewayC: Myeloma online course aims to support awareness of myeloma presentation including appropriate investigations and results interpretation. It includes a patient journey to diagnosis alongside a range of activities that reinforce key learning points. CPD certificate available upon completion.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
References
(1) Leukaemia care:
https://
(2) Myeloma, MGUS and related conditions – a guide for GPs – Myeloma UK:
(3) Lymphoma for GPs across the cancer continuum – University of Exeter:
Introduction
- The most common specific location for head and neck cancers in the UK is the tongue (2016-2018)1.
- There are around 12,800 new head and neck cancer cases in the UK every year, that's 35 every day (2017-2019).
- Head and neck cancer is the 8th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 3% of all new cancer cases (2017-2019).
- Incidence rates for head and neck cancer in the UK are highest in people aged 65 to 69 (2017-2019)1.
Resources
1. NICE CKS – Head and Neck Cancers - Recognition and Referral
The NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS) for head and neck cancers provides a brief overview on recognition and referral of suspected head and neck cancers.
Time to read: approx. 3 minutes
2. Red Whale – Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Article
The Red Whale: Head, neck and thyroid cancers article summarises the referral guidelines and provides a useful summary of primary care use of imaging for neck lumps.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 3 minutes
3. Red Whale – Laryngeal Cancer Article
The Red Whale: Laryngeal cancer article summarises the presenting features of laryngeal cancer in primary care, including a useful risk assessment tool.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 3 minutes
4. Red Whale – Oropharyngeal Cancer Article
The Red Whale: Oropharyngeal cancer article reviews aetiology of oropharyngeal cancer including HPV. It also summarises common presenting features and includes when a referral should be from primary care and when dental review is appropriate.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 3 minutes
5. The Presentation of Head and Neck Cancer – Information for GPs. CMCA
Short video - Miss Katharine Davies, Consultant Thyroid/Head and Neck Surgeon, talks through the presentation of head and neck cancer, with information for GPs about cases seen in the rapid access clinic that can be reassured in primary care.
Time to watch: 5 minutes
6. Local Dental Network (LDN)- Oral Cancer Care Local Guide
The Cheshire and Merseyside local dental network: Oral cancer guidelines is aimed at dental professionals - to improve the early identification and management of oral cancer. It provides clear guidance on risk factor assessment, structured oral examinations, referral pathways, and patient communication.
(Free to access)
Time to read: approx. 20 minutes
7. GP’s Talk Cancer Podcast – Head and Neck Cancer - ‘We really do need to be taking these things seriously...’
The GatewayC: GPs Talk Cancer podcast on head and neck cancer covers case studies to identify common and vague red flag symptomology clinicians should be aware of to support the earlier diagnosis of head and neck cancer - and how to use the right safety netting language.
(Free access, login required)
Time to watch: 24 minutes
8. GatewayC – Head and Neck Cancer Course
The GatewayC: Head and neck cancer online course covers common presenting symptoms. It explores HPV-driven head and neck cancers, neck lumps, less common symptoms, safety netting and when to refer. It includes a case of a delayed diagnosis. CPD certificate available upon completion.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
9. NB Medical – Head and Neck Cancer Course
The head and neck cancer webinar by NB Medical presented by a GP explores how GPs can identify early signs of head and neck cancer, navigate red flag symptoms, and make effective urgent referrals. It uses real cases and current UK guideline to focus on improving early diagnosis and outcomes in primary care.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
10. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Head and Neck Cancer Toolkit
This CRUK: Head and neck cancer toolkit is a concise e-learning resource for primary care clinicians. It offers practical guidance on early detection, referral, and prevention of head and neck cancers through videos, case studies, and interactive tools.
(Free at access- requires Drs.net login for some linked resources)
Time to complete (read/ watch/ complete questions): approx. 1-2 hours
References
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) head and neck statistics:
Introduction
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. About 46,400 people are diagnosed with it each year. There are two main types of primary lung cancer:
- non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- small cell lung cancer (SCLC).1
Despite important improvements in treatment, outcomes remain poor compared with other common cancers. In England and Wales one-year survival is only 48%.2
Resources
1. Red Whale – Lung Cancer Article
The Red Whale: Lung cancer article summarises aetiology, presenting features, and referral guidelines.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
2. GatewayC ‘GP’s Talk Cancer’ Podcast -’If you’ve got lungs, you can get lung cancer’
The GatewayC: GPs Talk Cancer podcast on lung cancer covers lung cancer statistics, patient cases, GP gut instinct, lung cancer in never smokers, the impact of negative chest x-rays, high platelet levels in smokers, and referral guidance.
(Free access, login required)
Time to listen: 26 minutes
3. GatewayC – Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis Course
The GatewayC: Lung cancer online course aims to support primary care clinicians recognise symptoms of lung cancer and referral guidance. It includes case studies and patient stories. CPD certificate available upon completion.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
4. NB Medical Webinar – Hot Topics Lung Cancer Clinic
The lung cancer webinar by NB Medical sponsored by CRUK covering facts, recognition and referral, lung cancer in never smokers, safety netting and an introduction to lung cancer screening. CPD certificate available upon completion.
(Free access, login required)
Time to watch: 1 hour
5. CRUK – Insights for GPs - your guide to diagnosing lung cancer early
This PDF is a one-page guide to the lung cancer urgent suspected guidelines including identifying early signs. Links to the lung cancer screening programme and a case study. Can be printed as a quick reference guide.
Time to read: approx. 3 minutes
Introduction
Less than 50% of patients who are eventually diagnosed with cancer initially present to primary care with ‘red flag’ symptoms.
Managing patients who present with non-specific symptoms can be challenging as these symptoms are common to many other conditions. As they are less likely to indicate specific cancers than ‘red flag’ symptoms, they often do not meet the threshold for an urgent suspected cancer referral. As a result, these patients are more likely to experience longer times to diagnosis and worse outcomes.1
Resources
1. Cancer Research UK - managing non-specific symptoms of cancer and safety netting
Two-page PDF summary of considerations for managing patients with non-specific symptoms and how safety netting can support these patients. Includes links to other resources.
Time to read: approx. (with links) 30 mins
2. Cancer Research UK - managing non-specific symptoms in primary care article
This CRUK non-specific symptoms summary article explains typical non-specific symptoms and signs that present to primary care. Includes a case study and top tips for managing patients.
Time to read: approx. 5 mins
3. Red Whale – Early Diagnosis of Cancer: Rapid Diagnostic Centres (RDCs)
The Red Whale article discusses rapid diagnostic centres and referral pathways for patients presenting with non-specific symptoms.
(Login required– see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
4. Red Whale – Cancer – Early Diagnosis article
The Red Whale review on early cancer diagnosis looks at a summary of studies on urgent cancer referrals. It has a summary of early cancer diagnosis pitfalls, GP ‘gut feeling’ and safety netting failure.
(Login required– see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 10 minutes
5. GatewayC Podcast ‘GPs Talk Cancer’ Non-Specific Symptoms - "We’re referring thinking this patient has a 5% chance of cancer...”
The GatewayC: GPs Talk Cancer podcast on non-specific symptoms episode covers non-specific symptoms (NSS). Presenting GPs share their clinical experiences to support better, faster, and more confident cancer diagnosis in primary care. It includes patient cases, symptoms, investigations, history taking, NICE guidance for referral and safety netting.
(Free access, log in required)
Time to listen: 26 minutes
6. GatewayC – Non-specific Symptoms course
The GatewayC: Non-specific symptoms online course is designed to assist the assessment and management of patients with non-specific symptoms that could indicate a cancer diagnosis and support clinical decision making when selecting a referral pathway. It also includes patient case studies.
(Free access, log in required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
References
(1) Cancer Research UK - managing non-specific symptoms in primary care
Introduction
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in the UK. It is predominantly a disease of older men.1 It is the second most common cause of cancer death in males after lung cancer, but responsible for only 2% of male deaths annually. The 10-year survival rate is now nearly 80%.2
Resources
1. Red Whale – Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
The Red Whale: Prostate cancer article summarises prostate cancer aetiology, health inequalities, diagnosis and investigations.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
2. Red Whale - PSA Testing GEMS
The Red Whale summay: PSA testing is a one page flow chart around how to approach PSA test requests.
(Login required – see PrOCEDE intro for details)
Time to read: approx. 5 minutes
3. GatewayC Course – Prostate Cancer
The GatewayC: Prostate cancer online course aims to assist primary care clinicians in assessing and managing patients with symptoms potentially indicative of prostate cancer and recognising patients who are most at risk. It also includes case examples of patients presenting with prostatic symptoms and PSA testing in asymptomatic patients. CPD certificate available upon completion.
(Free access, login required)
Time to complete: approx. 1 hour
4. East Midlands Cancer Alliance – Professionals resource; ‘Prostate cancer, PSAs and the RAPID referral pathway’
East Midlands Cancer Alliance professionals resource: Prostate cancer provides a brief overview of PSA testing, it's limitations, and secondary care investigation including multiparetic MRI (mpMRI).