Introduction

As a result of the initial scoping study on gaps in cancer early diagnosis education, Educators expressed a wish for suggestions on tutorial formats and topics to educate their training doctors. The following content contains ideas that educators may want to consider complementing their own teaching methods. More suggestions can be found in the sections on AKT, case studies and role play scenarios.

Tutorial Suggestions

1.  CMCA Prepared Power Point Presentations 

This may be used to teach both large or small groups of training doctors. 

Currently the CMCA have two pre-prepared presentations which can be used and accessed via the pre-prepared presentation section of PrOCEDE: 

  • Urgent Suspected Cancer Referrals  
  • Cancer Tumour Markers  

Please go to the menu page in tutorial packs to access to these pre-prepared presentations. 

2.  Topic Based Discussion 

  • A topic on cancer early diagnosis can be agreed between trainee and educator.  
  • The trainee can select which resources in PrOCEDE to read around the subject.  
  • The educator and trainee can then discuss aspects of this relevant to their current practice, ending on an agreement of 3 main learning points that they may want to implement in their practice.  

3.  Case Based Discussion 

  • The educator and trainee can agree on a patient whom the trainee has seen, and who has cancer which they want to discuss.  
  • The trainee can then use the topic raised in that case to read the resources available in the relevant section on PrOCEDE. 
  • Discussions can then ensue that are relevant to the patient case history, and subsequent learning points can be applied to it. 

 

Introduction

•    The following is a sample of 10 AKT type questions. 
•    They have been created to simulate what could be asked in the AKT. 
•    They have been created based on content referred to within PrOCEDE and are not taken from any AKT revision banks. 
•    They can be used to highlight areas that the trainee may want to address and assess their knowledge on cancer early diagnosis. Although the AKT is one of the GP specialist training assessments, they can also be used in other teaching settings.

Resource

•    10 multiple-choice questions are presented for the trainee. These can be printed off for the trainee to complete.
•    There is a separate guide for the educator with the correct answers, which they can go through with the trainee after the test has been completed. 

AKT Cancer Questions

Introduction

  • The following case studies have been created based on cancer early diagnosis as the theme. 
  • All patient identification details are fictitious. Trainers may use these in their tutorials with the trainee.
  • The case details with questions may be printed off and given to the trainee. 
  • A suggested answer sheet is also provided for the educator.

(Please check back periodically as new cases may be added as they become available)

Resources

1.  Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Tutorial Case Study

2.  Myeloma

Myeloma Tutorial Case Study

3.  Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Tutorial Case Study

4.  Thrombocytosis

Thrombocytosis Tutorial Case Study

5.  Cancer in Pregnancy

Cancer in Pregnancy Tutorial Case Study

6.  Non-Specific Symptoms

Non-Specific Symptoms Tutorial Case Study

7.  Pancreatic Cancer and New Onset Diabetes

Pancreatic Cancer & New Onset Diabetes Tutorial Case Study

Introduction

  • The following role play scenarios may be used for teaching purposes
  • All patient ID details are fictitious. Role play should follow agreed training guidelines
  • Ideally role play should involve 3 participants: 
    • The role of the patient
    • The role of the GP/Doctor (training doctor)
    • An observer (trainer) to give feedback. The person portraying the patient can also provide feedback
  • Where there are only 2 participants, the trainer may play the role of the patient and also provide feedback
  • Feedback should follow agreed feedback principles
  • There is also an educational element in asking the trainee to be the observer and provide feedback
  • The relevant sections in the following scenarios may be copied, pasted and printed off to be given to the relevant role players.

Resources

1.  Non-Specific Symptoms

Non-Specific Symptoms Scenario

2.  Suspected Cancer in Pregnancy

Cancer in Pregnancy Scenario

3.  Suspected Lower GI Cancer

Lower GI Cancer Scenario
Lower GI Quick Reference Guide

4.  Suspected Bladder Cancer

Bladder Cancer Scenario

5.  Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy Scenario

6.  PSA Testing 

PSA Testing

7.  Bowel Cancer 

Bowel Cancer Scenario

8.  Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Scenario

9.  Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Scenario

Introduction 

This section includes presentations developed by GP Leads within the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance. These materials are available for educators delivering training to groups of doctors, regardless of group size. Presentations may be tailored by educators as needed; however, it is recommended that educators verify any changes, as Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance does not take responsibility for the accuracy of any modifications. More presentations will be added as they are developed. 

Cancer Tumour Markers Presentation 

This referenced and peer-reviewed presentation has been developed by the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, in collaboration with Liverpool Clinical Laboratories. It is intended as a resource for educators and trainers to support the training of doctors. 

The presentation aims to provide learners with a clear understanding of currently available cancer tumour markers (as of August 2025). It will outline which tumour markers are helpful in facilitating early cancer diagnosis in primary care, as well outlining those that may be less useful, so more appropriate testing can be requested in clinical practice. 

Using cancer tumour markers in primary care. Which one’s matter?

Suspected Urgent Cancer Referral Presentation 

This PowerPoint presentation was developed collaboratively by CMCA GP Clinical Leads (Drs Cathy Hubbert, Rhian Thomas, Hong Tseung, and other former Macmillan GPs in the North-West). The Business Intelligence Unit at CMCA updated the data presented. The presentation includes: 

  • Key principles of cancer in primary care 
  • Setting the scene of cancer for the North-West 
  • The effect of health inequalities on cancer diagnosis 
  • NHSE cancer wait targets 
  • Referral pathways for urgent suspected cancer diagnoses 
  • FIT testing 
  • Cancer in pregnancy 
  • Pitfalls to avoid in cancer diagnosis 

Case studies are also provided for presenters to discuss with the audience to illustrate the material. The content was originally developed for GP specialist trainees attending their Half Day Release course (2 1/2hour session), with the full presentation taking approximately 70 minutes, followed by a coffee break and a further 45 minutes to review case studies. Educators can tailor the presentation by excluding or including parts that are relevant for their teaching. 

Suspected Cancer Referrals GPST training