NHS Forth Valley has introduced a new Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS), designed to speed up cancer diagnosis for patients whose symptoms do not meet standard referral criteria for access to suspected cancer pathways.

This initiative aims to provide faster answers for patients and peace of mind for most—since the majority of those referred will not have cancer. The primary goal is to rule out cancer quickly, reduce uncertainty, and ensure that anyone who does need further care is identified and treated without delay.

Dr. Jonathan Begley, NHS Forth Valley Clinical Lead for the RCDS, explained: “Early cancer diagnosis is a key focus across Scotland. By speeding up the process of diagnosis and treatment, we can improve cancer outcomes and ensure patients get the support they need as quickly as possible.

“The new service relies on collaboration between doctors, nurses, and specialists. The key steps in the process include early identification, quick referrals, thorough assessments, coordinated testing, and timely diagnosis.

“Referrals to the new service are made via primary care i.e. patients will be referred to the RCDS by their GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP). Before the referral, patients will have a physical examination and blood tests to help determine whether further investigation is needed.

“Patients should inform their GP or ANP if they will be unavailable for the next three weeks (for example, if they’re going on holiday) as appointments for the RCDS are usually scheduled quickly.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving cancer services remains a key priority for the Scottish Government, as outlined in our 10-year cancer strategy. Evidence shows that Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services play a crucial role in enabling earlier diagnosis and improving the experience of care for patients with non-specific but concerning symptoms.

“The launch of this new RCDS in NHS Forth Valley marks another important step towards delivering more timely and person-centred cancer services across Scotland. By expanding access to these innovative pathways, we are helping ensure better outcomes for people diagnosed with cancer, while providing earlier reassurance to those that have cancer ruled out.”

NHS Forth Valley joins five other NHS Scotland Boards—NHS Fife, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Lanarkshire, and NHS Borders—in offering this service. The Scottish Government is working to ensure all patients across the country have equal access to a pathway like this, as part of the wider effort to improve earlier cancer diagnosis rates and outcomes.

The University of Strathclyde has been studying the RCDS to understand its impact and improve future services. A report published in February 2024 highlighted the service’s effectiveness in detecting cancer earlier.

This new initiative is a crucial step in Scotland’s ongoing efforts to provide faster cancer diagnoses and treatment.