How UK GPs Spot 37 Different Cancers Early

Jan11
by admin on January 11, 2016 at 6:44 pm
Posted In: Buncrana, Carndonagh, Derry, Donegal, Greencastle, L/Derry, Letterkenny, Moville, Redcastle

Cancer Survival Rates

The UK has one of the lowest survival rates in Europe. It is mainly caused by people (and their GPs) not spotting the cancer early enough. Bt the time they have it is often too late. By the time they arrive at A&E wards they have only a 36% chance of lasting a year.

It doesn’t have to be like this, though. People who spot the early signs of breast cancer will have a 90% survival rate (counted as surviving at lest 5 years) whilst if it is not caught till the later stages, just 15% of women will live longer than 5 years.

Cancer is not the great killer it used to be – provided it is caught early.

So, we though that we would give Moville people access to the very best information to recognize the symptoms of Cancer at an early stake when survival rates are high.

Symptoms for 37 Different Cancers

Some of the following information is only for doctors but much of it shows symptoms for 37 different types of cancer that we can all recognize.

If you have any of these symptoms then you should see your doctor immediately. Most likely he, or she, will be able to reassure you that you ar OK. Even if you have cancer, remember that if you go to your doctor early, you have a huge percentage chance of beating it. If you don’t the odds will fall appreciably with each day you don’t.

Note to CraicOn Readers. This is also organized by Symptoms if you would prefer and you can find it by clicking on Cancer Symptoms where it looks at different symptoms and advises what kind of cancer it might be.

Here is the very best advice and help available to help you to recognize the symptoms. This is the advice being given to all UK GPs.

1 Recommendations organised by site of cancer

The following guidance is based on the best available evidence. The full guideline gives details of the methods and the evidence used to develop the guidance.

The wording used in the recommendations in this guideline (for example, words such as ‘offer’ and ‘consider’) denotes the certainty with which the recommendation is made (the strength of the recommendation). See about this guideline for details.

The recommendations in this guideline have been organised into 3 separate sections to help healthcare professionals find the relevant information easily. This section includes the recommendations for investigation and referral organised by the site of the suspected cancer. The recommendations in this section have also been organised by symptoms and investigation findings in a separate section. There is also a section covering patient support, safety netting and the diagnostic process, which should be used in conjunction with this section.

1.1 Lung and pleural cancers

Lung cancer

Recommendations in this section update recommendations 1.1.2 to 1.1.5 in lung cancer, NICE guideline CG121.

1.1.1 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for lung cancer if they:

  • have chest X‑ray findings that suggest lung cancer or
  • are aged 40 and over with unexplained haemoptysis. [new 2015]

1.1.2 Offer an urgent chest X‑ray (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for lung cancer in people aged 40 and over if they have 2 or more of the following unexplained symptoms, or if they have ever smoked and have 1 or more of the following unexplained symptoms:

  • cough
  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • weight loss
  • appetite loss. [new 2015]

1.1.3 Consider an urgent chest X‑ray (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for lung cancer in people aged 40 and over with any of the following:

  • persistent or recurrent chest infection
  • finger clubbing
  • supraclavicular lymphadenopathy or persistent cervical lymphadenopathy
  • chest signs consistent with lung cancer
  • thrombocytosis. [new 2015]

Mesothelioma

1.1.4 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for mesothelioma if they have chest X‑ray findings that suggest mesothelioma. [new 2015]

1.1.5 Offer an urgent chest X‑ray (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for mesothelioma in people aged 40 and over, if:

  • they have 2 or more of the following unexplained symptoms, or
  • they have 1 or more of the following unexplained symptoms and have ever smoked, or
  • they have 1 or more of the following unexplained symptoms and have been exposed to asbestos:
    • cough
    • fatigue
    • shortness of breath
    • chest pain
    • weight loss
    • appetite loss. [new 2015]

1.1.6 Consider an urgent chest X‑ray (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for mesothelioma in people aged 40 and over with either:

  • finger clubbing or
  • chest signs compatible with pleural disease. [new 2015]

1.2 Upper gastrointestinal tract cancers

Oesophageal cancer

1.2.1 Offer urgent direct access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for oesophageal cancer in people:

  • with dysphagia or
  • aged 55 and over with weight loss and any of the following:
    • upper abdominal pain
    • reflux
    • dyspepsia. [new 2015]

1.2.2 Consider non-urgent direct access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to assess for oesophageal cancer in people with haematemesis. [new 2015]

1.2.3 Consider non‑urgent direct access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to assess for oesophageal cancer in people aged 55 or over with:

  • treatment‑resistant dyspepsia or
  • upper abdominal pain with low haemoglobin levels or
  • raised platelet count with any of the following:
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • weight loss
    • reflux
    • dyspepsia
    • upper abdominal pain, or
  • nausea or vomiting with any of the following:
    • weight loss
    • reflux
    • dyspepsia
    • upper abdominal pain. [new 2015]

Pancreatic cancer

1.2.4 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for pancreatic cancer if they are aged 40 and over and have jaundice. [new 2015]

1.2.5 Consider an urgent direct access CT scan (to be performed within 2 weeks), or an urgent ultrasound scan if CT is not available, to assess for pancreatic cancer in people aged 60 and over with weight loss and any of the following:

  • diarrhoea
  • back pain
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • new‑onset diabetes. [new 2015]

Stomach cancer

1.2.6 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for people with an upper abdominal mass consistent with stomach cancer. [new 2015]

1.2.7 Offer urgent direct access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for stomach cancer in people:

  • with dysphagia or
  • aged 55 and over with weight loss and any of the following:
    • upper abdominal pain
    • reflux
    • dyspepsia. [new 2015]

1.2.8 Consider non‑urgent direct access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to assess for stomach cancer in people with haematemesis. [new 2015]

1.2.9 Consider non‑urgent direct access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to assess for stomach cancer in people aged 55 or over with:

  • treatment‑resistant dyspepsia or
  • upper abdominal pain with low haemoglobin levels or
  • raised platelet count with any of the following:
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • weight loss
    • reflux
    • dyspepsia
    • upper abdominal pain, or
  • nausea or vomiting with any of the following:
    • weight loss
    • reflux
    • dyspepsia
    • upper abdominal pain. [new 2015]

Gall bladder cancer

1.2.10 Consider an urgent direct access ultrasound scan (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for gall bladder cancer in people with an upper abdominal mass consistent with an enlarged gall bladder. [new 2015]

Liver cancer

1.2.11 Consider an urgent direct access ultrasound scan (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for liver cancer in people with an upper abdominal mass consistent with an enlarged liver. [new 2015]

1.3 Lower gastrointestinal tract cancers

Colorectal cancer

1.3.1 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for colorectal cancer if:

  • they are aged 40 and over with unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain or
  • they are aged 50 and over with unexplained rectal bleeding or
  • they are aged 60 and over with:
    • iron‑deficiency anaemia or
    • changes in their bowel habit, or
  • tests show occult blood in their faeces (see recommendation 1.3.4 for who should be offered a test for occult blood in faeces). [new 2015]

1.3.2 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for colorectal cancer in people with a rectal or abdominal mass. [new 2015]

1.3.3 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for colorectal cancer in adults aged under 50 with rectal bleeding and any of the following unexplained symptoms or findings:

  • abdominal pain
  • change in bowel habit
  • weight loss
  • iron‑deficiency anaemia. [new 2015]

1.3.4 Offer testing for occult blood in faeces to assess for colorectal cancer in adults without rectal bleeding who:

  • are aged 50 and over with unexplained:
    • abdominal pain or
    • weight loss, or
  • are aged under 60 with:
    • changes in their bowel habit or
    • iron‑deficiency anaemia, or
  • are aged 60 and over and have anaemia even in the absence of iron deficiency. [new 2015]

Anal cancer

1.3.5 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for anal cancer in people with an unexplained anal mass or unexplained anal ulceration. [new 2015]

1.4 Breast cancer

1.4.1 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for breast cancer if they are:

  • aged 30 and over and have an unexplained breast lump with or without pain or
  • aged 50 and over with any of the following symptoms in one nipple only:
    • discharge
    • retraction
    • other changes of concern. [new 2015]

1.4.2 Consider a suspected cancer pathwayreferral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for breast cancer in people:

  • with skin changes that suggest breast cancer or
  • aged 30 and over with an unexplained lump in the axilla. [new 2015]

1.4.3 Consider non-urgent referral in people aged under 30 with an unexplained breast lump with or without pain. See also recommendations 1.16.2 and 1.16.3 for information about seeking specialist advice. [new 2015]

1.5 Gynaecological cancers

Ovarian cancer

The recommendations in this section have been incorporated from the NICE guideline on ovarian cancer (NICE guideline CG122, 2011) and have not been updated. The recommendations for ovarian cancer apply to women aged 18 and over.

1.5.1 Refer the woman urgently[1] if physical examination identifies ascites and/or a pelvic or abdominal mass (which is not obviously uterine fibroids). [2011]

1.5.2 Carry out tests in primary care (see recommendations 1.5.6 to 1.5.9) if a woman (especially if 50 or over) reports having any of the following symptoms on a persistent or frequent basis – particularly more than 12 times per month:

  • persistent abdominal distension (women often refer to this as ‘bloating’)
  • feeling full (early satiety) and/or loss of appetite
  • pelvic or abdominal pain
  • increased urinary urgency and/or frequency. [2011]

1.5.3 Consider carrying out tests in primary care (see recommendations 1.5.6 to 1.5.9) if a woman reports unexplained weight loss, fatigue or changes in bowel habit. [2011]

1.5.4 Advise any woman who is not suspected of having ovarian cancer to return to her GP if her symptoms become more frequent and/or persistent. [2011]

1.5.5 Carry out appropriate tests for ovarian cancer (see recommendations 1.5.6 to 1.5.9) in any woman of 50 or over who has experienced symptoms within the last 12 months that suggest irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)[2], because IBS rarely presents for the first time in women of this age. [2011]

1.5.6 Measure serum CA125 in primary care in women with symptoms that suggest ovarian cancer (see recommendations 1.5.1 to 1.5.5). [2011]

1.5.7 If serum CA125 is 35 IU/ml or greater, arrange an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis. [2011]

1.5.8 If the ultrasound suggests ovarian cancer, refer the woman urgently[1] for further investigation. [2011]

1.5.9 For any woman who has normal serum CA125 (less than 35 IU/ml), or CA125 of 35 IU/ml or greater but a normal ultrasound:

  • assess her carefully for other clinical causes of her symptoms and investigate if appropriate
  • if no other clinical cause is apparent, advise her to return to her GP if her symptoms become more frequent and/or persistent. [2011]

Endometrial cancer

1.5.10 Refer women using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for endometrial cancer if they are aged 55 and over with post‑menopausal bleeding (unexplained vaginal bleeding more than 12 months after menstruation has stopped because of the menopause). [new 2015]

1.5.11 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for endometrial cancer in women aged under 55 with post‑menopausal bleeding. [new 2015]

1.5.12 Consider a direct access ultrasound scan to assess for endometrial cancer in women aged 55 and over with:

  • unexplained symptoms of vaginal discharge who:
    • are presenting with these symptoms for the first time or
    • have thrombocytosis or
    • report haematuria, or
  • visible haematuria and:
    • low haemoglobin levels or
    • thrombocytosis or
    • high blood glucose levels. [new 2015]

Cervical cancer

1.5.13 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for women if, on examination, the appearance of their cervix is consistent with cervical cancer. [new 2015]

Vulval cancer

1.5.14 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for vulval cancer in women with an unexplained vulval lump, ulceration or bleeding. [new 2015]

Vaginal cancer

1.5.15 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for vaginal cancer in women with an unexplained palpable mass in or at the entrance to the vagina. [new 2015]

1.6 Urological cancers

Prostate cancer

1.6.1 Refer men using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for prostate cancer if their prostate feels malignant on digital rectal examination. [new 2015]

1.6.2 Consider a prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination to assess for prostate cancer in men with:

  • any lower urinary tract symptoms, such as nocturia, urinary frequency, hesitancy, urgency or retention or
  • erectile dysfunction or
  • visible haematuria. [new 2015]

1.6.3 Refer men using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for prostate cancer if their PSA levels are above the age‑specific reference range. [new 2015]

Bladder cancer

1.6.4 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for bladder cancer if they are:

  • aged 45 and over and have:
    • unexplained visible haematuria without urinary tract infection or
    • visible haematuria that persists or recurs after successful treatment of urinary tract infection, or
  • aged 60 and over and have unexplained non‑visible haematuria and either dysuria or a raised white cell count on a blood test. [new 2015]

1.6.5 Consider non-urgent referral for bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over with recurrent or persistent unexplained urinary tract infection. [new 2015]

Renal cancer

1.6.6 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for renal cancer if they are aged 45 and over and have:

  • unexplained visible haematuria without urinary tract infection or
  • visible haematuria that persists or recurs after successful treatment of urinary tract infection. [new 2015]

Testicular cancer

1.6.7 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for testicular cancer in men if they have a non‑painful enlargement or change in shape or texture of the testis. [new 2015]

1.6.8 Consider a direct access ultrasound scan for testicular cancer in men with unexplained or persistent testicular symptoms. [new 2015]

Penile cancer

1.6.9 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for penile cancer in men if they have either:

  • a penile mass or ulcerated lesion, where a sexually transmitted infection has been excluded as a cause, or
  • a persistent penile lesion after treatment for a sexually transmitted infection has been completed. [new 2015]

1.6.10 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for penile cancer in men with unexplained or persistent symptoms affecting the foreskin or glans. [new 2015]

1.7 Skin cancers

Malignant melanoma of the skin

1.7.1 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for melanoma if they have a suspicious pigmented skin lesion with a weighted 7‑point checklist score of 3 or more. [new 2015]

Weighted 7‑point checklist

Major features of the lesions (scoring 2 points each):

  • change in size
  • irregular shape
  • irregular colour.

Minor features of the lesions (scoring 1 point each):

  • largest diameter 7 mm or more
  • inflammation
  • oozing
  • change in sensation.

1.7.2 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) if dermoscopy suggests melanoma of the skin. [new 2015]

1.7.3 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for melanoma in people with a pigmented or non‑pigmented skin lesion that suggests nodular melanoma. [new 2015]

Squamous cell carcinoma

1.7.4 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for people with a skin lesion that raises the suspicion of squamous cell carcinoma. [new 2015]

Basal cell carcinoma

1.7.5 Consider routine referral for people if they have a skin lesion that raises the suspicion of a basal cell carcinoma[3]. [new 2015]

1.7.6 Only consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for people with a skin lesion that raises the suspicion of a basal cell carcinoma if there is particular concern that a delay may have a significant impact, because of factors such as lesion site or size. [new 2015]

1.7.7 Follow the NICE guidance on improving outcomes for people with skin tumours including melanoma: the management of low-risk basal cell carcinomas in the community (2010 update) for advice on who should excise suspected basal cell carcinomas. [new 2015]

1.8 Head and neck cancers

Laryngeal cancer

1.8.1 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for laryngeal cancer in people aged 45 and over with:

Oral cancer

1.8.2 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for oral cancer in people with either:

  • unexplained ulceration in the oral cavity lasting for more than 3 weeks or
  • a persistent and unexplained lump in the neck. [new 2015]

1.8.3 Consider an urgent referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for assessment for possible oral cancer by a dentist in people who have either:

  • a lump on the lip or in the oral cavity or
  • a red or red and white patch in the oral cavity consistent with erythroplakia or erythroleukoplakia. [new 2015]

1.8.4 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral by the dentist (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for oral cancer in people when assessed by a dentist as having either:

  • a lump on the lip or in the oral cavity consistent with oral cancer or
  • a red or red and white patch in the oral cavity consistent with erythroplakia or erythroleukoplakia. [new 2015]

Thyroid cancer

1.8.5 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for thyroid cancer in people with an unexplained thyroid lump. [new 2015]

1.9 Brain and central nervous system cancers

Adults

1.9.1 Consider an urgent direct access MRI scan of the brain (or CT scan if MRI is contraindicated) (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for brain or central nervous system cancer in adults with progressive, sub‑acute loss of central neurological function. [new 2015]

Children and young people

1.9.2 Consider a very urgent referral (for an appointment within 48 hours) for suspected brain or central nervous system cancer in children and young people with newly abnormal cerebellar or other central neurological function. [new 2015]

1.10 Haematological cancers

Leukaemia in adults

1.10.1 Consider a very urgent full blood count (within 48 hours) to assess for leukaemia in adults with any of the following:

  • pallor
  • persistent fatigue
  • unexplained fever
  • unexplained persistent or recurrent infection
  • generalised lymphadenopathy
  • unexplained bruising
  • unexplained bleeding
  • unexplained petechiae
  • hepatosplenomegaly. [new 2015]

Leukaemia in children and young people

1.10.2 Refer children and young people for immediate specialist assessment for leukaemia if they have unexplained petechiae or hepatosplenomegaly. [new 2015]

1.10.3 Offer a very urgent full blood count (within 48 hours) to assess for leukaemia in children and young people with any of the following:

  • pallor
  • persistent fatigue
  • unexplained fever
  • unexplained persistent infection
  • generalised lymphadenopathy
  • persistent or unexplained bone pain
  • unexplained bruising
  • unexplained bleeding. [new 2015]

Myeloma

1.10.4 Offer a full blood count, blood tests for calcium and plasma viscosity or erythrocyte sedimentation rate to assess for myeloma in people aged 60 and over with persistent bone pain, particularly back pain, or unexplained fracture. [new 2015]

1.10.5 Offer very urgent protein electrophoresis and a Bence‑Jones protein urine test (within 48 hours) to assess for myeloma in people aged 60 and over with hypercalcaemia or leukopenia and a presentation that is consistent with possible myeloma. [new 2015]

1.10.6 Consider very urgent protein electrophoresis and a Bence‑Jones protein urine test (within 48 hours) to assess for myeloma if the plasma viscosity or erythrocyte sedimentation rate and presentation are consistent with possible myeloma. [new 2015]

1.10.7 Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) if the results of protein electrophoresis or a Bence‑Jones protein urine test suggest myeloma. [new 2015]

Non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma in adults

1.10.8 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma in adults[4] presenting with unexplained lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly. When considering referral, take into account any associated symptoms, particularly fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, pruritus or weight loss. [new 2015]

Non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children and young people

1.10.9 Consider a very urgent referral (for an appointment within 48 hours) for specialist assessment for non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children and young people[4] presenting with unexplained lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly. When considering referral, take into account any associated symptoms, particularly fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, pruritus or weight loss. [new 2015]

Hodgkin’s lymphoma in adults

1.10.10 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in adults[4] presenting with unexplained lymphadenopathy. When considering referral, take into account any associated symptoms, particularly fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, pruritus, weight loss or alcohol‑induced lymph node pain. [new 2015]

Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children and young people

1.10.11 Consider a very urgent referral (for an appointment within 48 hours) for specialist assessment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children and young people[4] presenting with unexplained lymphadenopathy. When considering referral, take into account any associated symptoms, particularly fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, pruritus or weight loss. [new 2015]

1.11 Sarcomas

Bone sarcoma in adults

1.11.1 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for adults[4] if an X‑ray suggests the possibility of bone sarcoma. [new 2015]

Bone sarcoma in children and young people

1.11.2 Consider a very urgent referral (for an appointment within 48 hours) for specialist assessment for children and young people[4] if an X‑ray suggests the possibility of bone sarcoma. [new 2015]

1.11.3 Consider a very urgent direct access X‑ray (to be performed within 48 hours) to assess for bone sarcoma in children and young people with unexplained bone swelling or pain. [new 2015]

Soft tissue sarcoma in adults

1.11.4 Consider an urgent direct access ultrasound scan (to be performed within 2 weeks) to assess for soft tissue sarcoma in adults[4] with an unexplained lump that is increasing in size. [new 2015]

1.11.5 Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for adults[4] if they have ultrasound scan findings that are suggestive of soft tissue sarcoma or if ultrasound findings are uncertain and clinical concern persists. [new 2015]

Soft tissue sarcoma in children and young people

1.11.6 Consider a very urgent direct access ultrasound scan (to be performed within 48 hours) to assess for soft tissue sarcoma in children and young people[4] with an unexplained lump that is increasing in size. [new 2015]

1.11.7 Consider a very urgent referral (for an appointment within 48 hours) for children and young people[4] if they have ultrasound scan findings that are suggestive of soft tissue sarcoma or if ultrasound findings are uncertain and clinical concern persists. [new 2015]

1.12 Childhood cancers

Neuroblastoma

1.12.1 Consider very urgent referral (for an appointment within 48 hours) for specialist assessment for neuroblastoma in children with a palpable abdominal mass or unexplained enlarged abdominal organ. [new 2015]

Retinoblastoma

1.12.2 Consider urgent referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for ophthalmological assessment for retinoblastoma in children with an absent red reflex. [new 2015]

Wilms’ tumour

1.12.3 Consider very urgent referral (for an appointment within 48 hours) for specialist assessment for Wilms’ tumour in children with any of the following:

  • a palpable abdominal mass
  • an unexplained enlarged abdominal organ
  • unexplained visible haematuria. [new 2015]

1.13 Non‑site‑specific symptoms

Some symptoms or symptom combinations may be features of several different cancers. For some of these symptoms, the risk for each individual cancer may be low but the total risk of cancer of any type may be higher. This section includes recommendations for these symptoms.

Symptoms of concern in children and young people

1.13.1 Take into account the insight and knowledge of parents and carers when considering making a referral for suspected cancer in a child or young person. Consider referral for children if their parent or carer has persistent concern or anxiety about the child’s symptoms, even if the symptoms are most likely to have a benign cause. [2015]

Symptoms of concern in adults

1.13.2 For people with unexplained weight loss, which is a symptom of several cancers including colorectal, gastro‑oesophageal, lung, prostate, pancreatic and urological cancer:

  • carry out an assessment for additional symptoms, signs or findings that may help to clarify which cancer is most likely and
  • offer urgent investigation or a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks). [new 2015]

1.13.3 For people with unexplained appetite loss, which is a symptom of several cancers including lung, oesophageal, stomach, colorectal, pancreatic, bladder and renal cancer:

  • carry out an assessment for additional symptoms, signs or findings that may help to clarify which cancer is most likely and
  • offer urgent investigation or a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks). [new 2015]

1.13.4 For people with deep vein thrombosis, which is associated with several cancers including urogenital, breast, colorectal and lung cancer:

  • carry out an assessment for additional symptoms, signs or findings that may help to clarify which cancer is most likely and
  • consider urgent investigation or a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks). [new 2015]
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