Cancer case finding technologies to support early recognition of suspected cancer symptoms in primary care: early use assessment

Improving early diagnosis of cancer is a key priority area in the NHS. Cancer case finding technologies have the potential to support earlier referral for further investigation by assisting primary care healthcare professionals in identifying people presenting with signs and symptoms that may indicate cancer. These technologies are intended to be used as decision support tools to help healthcare professionals in primary care to determine whether an urgent referral to a specialist is needed. Using these tools during primary care consultations may help reduce delays in referring for investigation of suspected cancer (which could support more timely diagnosis of cancer). Earlier diagnosis of cancer is associated with improved treatment outcomes, reduced healthcare utilisation, and improved patient experience and quality of life. This assessment will focus on the prospective use of the technologies, that is, technologies used in real-time during primary care consultations to support clinical decision making. The NICE Health Technologies Programme will assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness technologies that can help support early recognition of suspected cancer symptoms in order to make recommendations on their use in the NHS.

Status:

In progress

Technology type:

Device

Decision:

Selected

Prioritisation programme:

HealthTech

Rationale:

Anticipate the topic will be of importance to patients, carers, professionals, commissioners and the health of the public to ensure clinical benefit is realised, inequalities in use addressed, and help them make the best use of NHS resources

Process:

DAP

Email enquiries

If you have any queries please email HealthTech2@nice.org.uk

Timeline

Key events during the development of the guidance:

For further information on our processes and methods, please see our HealthTech programme manual.