BRITS with lung cancer symptoms should be able to self-refer for life-saving tests rather than wait for their GP to request them, experts say. It should be "easier" for those with symptoms of the disease to get chest x-rays and help speed up diagnosis, according to researchers. 1 Patients in some parts of the UK can already self refer for chest x-rays if they're experiencing cancer symptoms Credit: Getty Self-request chest x-ray services have been established in a number of locations, including Leeds and Greater Manchester.
Under the schemes, patients with symptoms such as a persistent cough, tiredness and difficulty breathing can access radiology services directly, with the report of their x-ray sent to their GP. In analysis published in the British Journal of General Practice , academics and medics and the charity Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, called for services that allow patients to self-refer without a GP consultation to be adopted across the UK. Authors claim the wider rollout of these services "warrants urgent consideration" given the "present difficulties patients face in accessing primary care".
While self-referral may relieve pressure on the NHS by allowing patients to skip GP appointments, it's important to note that regions like Manchester and Leeds only allow patients to ask for scans if they've been experiencing telltale symptoms for more than three weeks. Read more on lung cancer LIFE SAVER Man, 67, becomes 1st person in UK to receive 'game-changing' lung.