Written question WQ94592

There are clear clinical guidelines that are well recognised in general practice on the referral criteria for suspected cancer. However, this does not mean that it is always clear when a child is presenting that the symptoms may relate to cancer. Assessing common presenting symptoms such as pain, fatigue, fever or swelling requires clinical judgement to be used in the context of understanding the patient history, other possible causes, and due consideration of the relevant clinical guidance. The Welsh Government is supporting the roll out of community health pathways, which is a digital tool that supports GPs in making referral decisions. This has the capability to highlight red flag symptoms and presentations to look out for in children. In addition, GPs can use Consultant Connect to get advice from secondary care clinicians on the management of patients.

Symptomatic referral guidance for cancer can be found at: Recommendations organised by symptom and findings of primary care investigations | Suspected cancer: recognition and referral | Guidance | NICE