Referral Guidance
Referral guidance for adults – NG12 NICE guidance for suspected cancer recognition and referral
Referral guidance for children and young people – CCLG Referral Guidance and summary table.
NG12 summaries and infographics
These summary and infographic versions of the guidelines are intended to make them easier to use.
- Macmillan Rapid Referral Guidelines
- Cancer Research UK NG12 Infographic and Desk Easel
- The Cancer Maps & tutorial – NG12 Interactive reference tool
- BMJ Adult Cancers Infographic – Printable infographic showing cancer referral pathways by presenting symptom
Clinical Decision Support (CDS) Tools
CDS tools are designed to support health professionals to recognise potential cancer signs and symptoms and manage patients appropriately. Many are based on algorithms and calculate a patient’s risk of cancer.
- Ardens NG12 Symptoms and Findings Analyser – Available in SystmOne and EMIS Web
- QCancer – Available via the website and in EMIS Web.
- Macmillan Cancer Decision Support Tool – Available in EMIS Web and INPS Vision
- Risk Assessment Tools (RATS) – Colour coded matrix tables for 15 different cancer types (PDF)
A more detailed overview of the different CDS tools and review of evidence has been carried out by CRUK.
Symptomatic FIT
FIT has been rolled out across Wessex for symptomatic patients to support the management of patients in primary care and to aid triage in secondary care.
For details of the Wessex colorectal pathway and FIT guidance please see our Symptomatic FIT page.
Patient information on Cancer Matters Wessex:
CRUK’s Key things to know about FIT poster summarises the different ways the FIT test is currently being used and how it fits within pathways. This can be printed off and shared within practices.
Teledermatology
Teledermatology refers to the use of static digital images to triage, diagnose, monitor or assess skin conditions without the patient being physically present.
Visit our dedicated teledermatology page for support and guidance about how to take and upload photos, and for information about upcoming training.
Rapid Investigation Service for non-specific symptoms (NSS) pathway
The RIS provides a fast track referral pathway for adult patients in whom there is concern about cancer, but who do not fit other site-specific NG12 referral criteria. The RIS operates virtually and organises any required diagnostic tests to be performed at the provider Trust most local to the patient.
The referral form has recently been updated, and further information is available in the updated FAQs and Year 1 newsletter. The RIS team have capacity to take more referrals and they are always happy to answer any questions regarding a new or existing patient.
Contact them via email: Wessexrds.admin@nhs.net or Phone: 0300 123 1385