Clinicians will be able to refer patients with symptoms which
might indicate cancer for tests more quickly following the
introduction of new revised guidelines.
For the first time, the guidelines include referral criteria for
people with non-specific but concerning symptoms such as
unexplained fatigue, nausea or weight loss - helping ensure more
patients can be assessed earlier, even when their symptoms don't
point clearly to a single type of cancer.
The updated Scottish Referral Guidelines (SRGs) for Suspected
Cancer provide primary care clinicians with the most up-to-date,
evidence-based guidance to help identify patients with signs and
symptoms suspicious of cancer who require urgent referral for
specialist assessment.
Visiting the Forth Valley Royal Hospital's recently opened Rapid
Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS), Health Secretary said:
“We are treating more cancer patients now than ever before, and
these guidelines are a vital tool in helping GPs and primary care
teams identify symptoms that may indicate cancer and make swift
referrals to specialist services.
“For the first time, we now have nationally agreed guidance to
support clinicians in referring patients with non-specific
symptoms, which is a significant step forward in our mission to
detect cancer earlier.
“I'm particularly pleased to mark this milestone at NHS Forth
Valley, where Scotland's newest Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service
is already delivering faster answers for patients. This is a
clear example of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the right
person is on the right pathway at the right time.”
Dr Phil Hodkinson, Co-Clinical Lead of the Centre for Sustainable
Delivery's Cancer Improvement and Earlier Diagnosis Team and
Chair of the SRG Review, said:
“The clinical review of the Scottish Referral Guidelines (SRG)
for Suspected Cancer was a collective effort from the clinical
community across NHS Scotland.
“We all want to find cancer as early as possible for our patients
when it's easier to treat and even cure. These guidelines, based
on latest available evidence, will help support these endeavours
by ensuring the right patient is put on the right pathway at the
right time.”
Background
The review of the guidelines was led by the Centre for
Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), in partnership with Healthcare
Improvement Scotland and Cancer Research UK. It involved
extensive clinical engagement and a detailed assessment of the
latest international evidence and Scottish cancer data. The
updated SRGs are now available to all healthcare professionals
and supported by educational materials, with the aim of ensuring
consistent use across the country.
www.cancerreferral.scot.nhs.uk.
The NHS Forth Valley RCDS, which began accepting referrals in May
2025, is the latest in a growing network of services across
Scotland that provide fast-track diagnostic pathways. The RCDS
features a dedicated clinical team and a patient navigator,
helping guide individuals and their families through the
diagnostic journey. The service aims to deliver decisions within
21 days of referral, offering peace of mind and quicker access to
treatment when needed.
