High Street pharmacists to make cancer referrals

People with a worrying cough, problems swallowing or blood in their urine will soon be able to be referred for scans and checks by a pharmacist, rather than having to wait to see their GP.

The new pilot scheme, in England, aims to diagnose more cancers early, when there is a better chance of a cure.

High Street pharmacies will be funded to refer customers for the checks.

The NHS will also send out more "roaming trucks" to perform on-the-spot scans in the community.

Lung-scanner vans driven to locations, including supermarket car parks and football stadiums, have already resulted in more people having checks. Now, some liver lorries will join them.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Ensuring patients can access diagnosis and treatment easily in their communities and on High Streets is a fundamental part of our 10-Year Cancer Plan."

Dr Anthony Cunliffe, national clinical adviser for primary care, at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Doctors and nurses are working tirelessly to diagnose and treat the tens of thousands of people entering a very busy cancer care system.

"This pilot will give people the opportunity to access more trained professionals in their community to get symptoms investigated."

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Source: BBC News, 15 June 2022