‘One-stop shops’ set to speed up cancer diagnosis
‘One-stop shops’ aimed at speeding up cancer diagnosis are being introduced across England, the UK.
The aim is to catch the disease earlier and prevent patients from being referred for several tests for different forms of the illness, BBC reported.
Patients often face delays when they have non-speci¿c symptoms.
NHS England said this is a ‘step change’ in the way people with suspected cancer are diagnosed and treated.
The rapid diagnosis and then treatment of cancer can be vital in saving lives.
While cancer survival rates have improved dramatically over recent decades, patients who are not displaying very obvious signs of the illness sometimes struggle to access quickly the help they need.
Those with more vague symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite or abdominal pain can be referred several times for different tests for different cancers, all wasting valuable opportunities to start treatment.
Other symptoms can include fatigue, unexplained sweats or generally feeling unwell.
NHS England is now adopting an approach ¿rst developed in Denmark - introducing 10 specialist rapid diagnostic and assessment centers where patients will receive all the necessary investigations under one roof.
‘Unclear symptoms’
Cally Palmer, national director for cancer at NHS England, said the new centers could play a key role in improving diagnosis and treatment.
“Early diagnosis is crucial to saving lives and providing peace of mind for patients, which is why we are driving forward plans to revolutionize our approach to cancer in this country.
“These new one-stop shops represent a real step change in the way people with unclear symptoms are identi¿ed, diagnosed and treated.”
NHS England has developed the centers in collaboration with the cancer charities Macmillan and Cancer Research UK.
Sara Hiom, director of early diagnosis at CRUK, said, “We’re con¿dent that these 10 pilot centers will give us a much better understanding of what’s needed to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of people with less obvious symptoms, improve their experience of care and, ultimately, survival rates.
“This is a ¿rst for this country and Cancer Research UK is delighted to be partnering with NHS England in this innovative initiative.
“The knowledge gained will support others looking to roll out similar approaches in future.”
The new centers will be spread across England, with the ¿rst 10 being located at:
● Royal Free Hospital, London
● North Middlesex Hospital, London,
● University College Hospitals London
● Southend Hospital
● Queens Hospital, Romford University ● St James University Hospital, Leeds
● Airedale General Hospital, West Yorkshire
● University Hospital, South Manchester
● Royal Oldham Greater Manchester ● Churchill Hospital, Oxford The aim is that every patient is either diagnosed or given the allclear within 28 days.
If the project is a success, more of the centers will be established across England. Hospital,