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This guidance covers the referral of a patient who presents with symptoms suggestive of upper gastrointestinal cancer who should be referred to a team specialising in the management of upper gastrointestinal cancer, depending on local arrangements.
Helicobacter pylori status should not affect the decision to refer for suspected cancer.
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.
For all patients with new-onset dyspepsia, consider a full blood count to detect iron deficiency anaemia.
Oesophageal or gastric cancer
Gall bladder cancer
Liver cancer
Pancreatic cancer
The following recent blood results, less than 8 weeks old, would be extremely helpful:
The GP should use e-Referral Service to book an appointment or send the referral.
Please ensure you include:
e-Referral selection:
Suspected Upper GI Tract cancer referral form - No merge fields
Suspected Upper GI Tract cancer referral form - EMIS
Suspected Upper GI Tract cancer referral form - SystmOne
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 pathway was signed off by the NHS Devon.
Publication date: November 2016