§ Dr. Richard TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will extend the guidelines for the referral of patients with suspected cancer for an appointment within two weeks to include patients with atypical symptoms. [11250]
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§ Mr. HuttonCancer referral guidelines were issued in March 2000 to help general practitioners identify possible signs and symptoms of cancer and to refer appropriately. For some cancer types, for example, lung cancer and breast cancer atypical symptoms were included on the advice of the members of the relevant tumour working parties who helped to draw up the guidelines. A review of the guidelines will be undertaken by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. All National Health Service trusts have been encouraged to work with primary care to audit referrals against the guidelines. The Department will shortly be announcing research projects to help inform decision making and the identification of patients with suspected cancer requiring referral.