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This guidance covers the referral of a patient who presents with symptoms of lung cancer who should be referred to a team specialising in the management of lung cancer, depending on local arrangements.
GPs can refer a patient they suspect of having cancer to be seen within 14 days by a specialist. GPs must send the referral within 24 hours of the decision to refer.
Please use the referral forms listed on this page to ensure appropriateness. They have been agreed by the Peninsula Cancer Network.
From May 21st 2018, University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) will be implementing the national optimal lung cancer pathway. To access this new pathway in ICE, please navigate to the 2WW referral tab and select Suspected Lung Cancer.
For practices who do not have access to ICE, the original pathway / 2WW form below are still available.
An urgent referral for a chest x-ray should be made when a patient presents with:
An urgent referral for a chest X-ray or to a team specialising in the management of lung cancer should be made as for other patients but may be considered sooner, for example if symptoms or signs have lasted for less than 3 weeks.
Lung cancer or mesothelioma
The following recent blood results, less than 8 weeks old, would be extremely helpful:
FBC, eGFR, clotting, U&E,LFT, bone profile
The GP should use e-Referral Service to book an appointment or send the referral.
Please ensure you include:
e-Referral selection:
Suspected Lung cancer referral form - No merge fields
NICE referral guidelines for suspected cancer
Suspected Cancer Guidelines A-Z
NICE referral guidelines for suspected cancer
bmj - New NICE guidance on referral for cancer
bmj - Assessing and referring adult cancers infographic
New Leaflet available for patients who are referred to exclude a diagnosis of cancer
New Leaflet available for patients who are referred to exclude a diagnosis of cancer
This guideline has been signed off by NHS Devon.
Publication date: November 2016
Updated date: May 2018