Early Diagnosis of Cancer: Community Pharmacy Pilot

Early diagnosis can make a significant difference to cancer outcomes. The Early Diagnosis of Cancer Community Pharmacy Pilot is exploring how community pharmacies can help identify people with possible cancer symptoms and, where appropriate, support faster access to further investigation and care.

What is the pilot?
The pilot enables participating community pharmacists to assess people who may have symptoms that could indicate cancer and, where appropriate, refer them for further investigation through established NHS pathways.

The service is designed to test whether direct referral routes from community pharmacy into secondary care diagnostic services are feasible, appropriate and beneficial for patients.

The pilot is commissioned by the Peninsula Cancer Alliance and delivered through participating community pharmacies across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Why community pharmacy?
Community pharmacies are among the most accessible healthcare settings and are well placed to identify people who may be experiencing symptoms that warrant further investigation.

Pharmacy teams regularly support people who:

• Seek advice about ongoing symptoms or health concerns.
• Purchase medicines for symptoms that persist or repeatedly return.
• Discuss symptoms while accessing other pharmacy services.

The pilot is also exploring whether community pharmacy can help improve access to early diagnosis and support people to access the right care at the right time.

Possible outcomes
Advice and guidance
If the person’s symptoms do not meet the criteria for referral, the pharmacist may provide advice, self-care guidance and information about when to seek further help if symptoms persist, worsen or change.

Referral to a GP
Some symptoms may require further assessment by a GP. In these circumstances, the pharmacist will explain why further investigation is recommended and advise the person on how to access appropriate care.

Referral for further investigation
Where the agreed clinical criteria are met, the pharmacist may make a referral into an appropriate NHS diagnostic pathway for further assessment.

Any onward investigations or appointments will be arranged in line with local NHS referral processes.

Symptoms included in the pilot
The pilot uses a clinical protocol based on recognised cancer referral criteria. Symptoms assessed through the service may be associated with:

• Lung cancers
• Skin cancers
• Head and neck cancers
• Kidney and bladder cancers
• Upper gastrointestinal cancers
• Lower gastrointestinal cancers
• Gynaecological cancers
• Haematological cancers
• Breast cancers

Not all symptom groups have direct referral pathways available through the pilot. In some circumstances, the pharmacist may recommend review by a GP instead.

Benefits for patients
• Access to timely professional assessment and advice.
• Support from a healthcare professional without the need for an appointment at a GP surgery.
• Earlier identification of symptoms that may require investigation.
• Referral into appropriate NHS pathways where required.
• Clear information and guidance about next steps.

Further information
The Early Diagnosis of Cancer Community Pharmacy Pilot is being delivered through community pharmacies in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly which feed into RCHT Treliske.

Information for pharmacies can be found here.

If you would like to find out more about the pilot, please contact admin@communitypharmacycornwall.org.