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Urgent Suspected Cancer for Non-Specific Cancer Symptoms: Rapid Diagnostic Centres

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Under Review — this page was due to be reviewed by Friday, 03 April 2026. The information shown here may be outdated.

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Rapid Diagnostic Centres (RDCs) offer a diagnostic pathway for patients with non-specific symptoms that could indicate cancer, facilitating a faster diagnosis or exclusion of cancer through a one-stop service where possible. They reduce the need for multiple referrals by streamlining the diagnosis process and ensure seamless transition to specialist teams if specific cancers are identified.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

  • new unexplained and unintentional weight loss
  • new unexplained constitutional symptoms
  • new unexplained vague abdominal pain
  • GP 'gut feeling' of cancer diagnosis

How to Refer

EMIS form

Referral methods: e-RS

The referral process is as follows:

  • order ‘Filter Function’ test bundle (via tQuest or SunQuest)
  • complete ‘Filter Function’ tests
  • once Filter Function test results are returned, complete the Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC) Suspected Cancer Non-Specific Symptoms - Referral form (please include as much clinically relevant information as possible)
  • select specific RDC clinic within e-RS
  • submit referral form via e-RS

Where to find the form

  • NCL Global Documents > 2WW Suspected Cancer

Review date: Friday, 03 April 2026