COVID-19 clinical support

Suspected Cancer Referrals

• Latest Pan-London Urgent Suspected Cancer (2WW) Referral forms
• 2WW Referral Patient Information Leaflets, including translations.

Colorectal cancer

• Endoscopy ‘Please do, Please Don’t Guidance’ Please check this guide before making a referral.
• Information for GPs on use of FIT for suspsected Bowel Cancer
• FAQs for GPs on use of FIT in Colorectal 2WW pathway
• FIT Kits Ordering and Stockpiling Advice

Lung Cancer

It is important to be alert to overlapping symptoms between lung cancer and COVID-19. Urgent referrals for suspected lung cancer are much reduced. 

• Guidance on how to differentiate between symptoms of possible lung cancer and symptoms of possible COVID-19
• Urgent referral for a CT lung scan – information for patients – February 2022

Prostate Cancer

• SEL Cancer alliance position statement on PSA testing– advises opportunistic PSA on >45 y and: Family history and/or black/Caribbean

Breast Cancer

The risk assessment service is based at the Clinical Genetics Department at Guy’s Hospital and it is run by skilled breast cancer family history nurses. The service covers the London boroughs of Bromley, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark and we see over 700 patients a year. Approximately 75% of the patients seen there are at higher than population risk of developing breast cancer and require enhanced breast screening from the age of 40. Risk, chemoprevention and screening advice given to patients is based on national guidance (NICE CG164). All patients receive health advice, breast awareness information and referrals to genetic services and breast screening when appropriate. The team are also able to refer patients to a clinical psychologist within the Genetics Clinic if necessary.

Haem-Onc cancer

• COVID-19 vaccination for patients with haematological malignancies and bone marrow failure – information for general practitioners

NHS-Galleri Trial

The NHS-Galleri trial is a research trial to see how well the Galleri™ test works in the NHS when used alongside standard cancer investigations. The aim is to see whether the test can help to find cancers at an early stage, when they are easier to treat. The trial will recruit participants aged 50-77 who don’t have any symptoms of cancer or a history of cancer in the last three years.

For more information, visit https://www.nhs-galleri.org/.

Webinars & Education for Primary Care

• Primary Care Cancer (Youtube) Webinar Recordings
• Tips on having courageous conversations from Macmillan Cancer Support

Personalised care, health and well-being

• Cancer Wellbeing London website to help support self-management and healthy living for those affected by cancer.

The website includes a series of patient information videos which cover a range of topics, including emotional wellbeing, managing fatigue, diet and exercise. Also provides signposting to some of the COVID-19 specific resources and support services, currently available. These cover psychosocial information and support services, physical activity and bereavement information and support.

• Macmillan has also developed a patient hub for patients with cancer who are worried about COVID-19

• London Macmillan Information Support Services for Patients

• Time of Diagnosis Invitation Letter

Early Diagnosis PCN DES Specification

SE London Cancer Alliance, in collaboration with Borough GP Cancer Leads have developed a primary care educational work programme to support PCNs to deliver the Early Cancer Diagnosis PCN DES Specification. This section will be updated regularly with resources to support PCNs in delivering the DES.

• PCN DES Support Guide (Feb-21 update). A practical guide for PCNs to achieve delivery of the service requirements in 2020/21 for Early Cancer Diagnosis of the Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service

Screening

• Cancer Research UK has produced a handy one-page PDF to help practices support people accessing general cancer screening services during recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Tips for communicating to patients about cervical screening.

Cervical Cancer Screening Video

A blog and short film has been developed by Jo’s Trust in collaboration with NHS England and NHS Improvement and Public Health England colleagues.

Cervical screening in primary care should continue and people on the Shielded Patient List should be invited to attend screening appointments as normal (National Primary Care Bulletin 19th January 2020).