More than two million patients in North West London to benefit from earlier detection of cancer at their GP practice
Published on: 1st October 2020
Over two million patients across eight London boroughs are to benefit from a new diagnostic tool that helps to detect cancer in its earliest and most curable stages. The tool, which has shown a 30 times improvement in the detection of cancer, has been rolled out to more than 400 GP practices across Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster.
The award-winning tool, C the Signs, identifies the cancer(s) a patient is at risk of within 30 seconds. It is already being used by almost 1000 GPs in South West London. Developed by and for NHS doctors, it uses artificial intelligence to identify patients with suspected cancer, or who may be at risk of cancer.
C the Signs can be used by GPs during their regular consultations with a patient, and classifies patients by their risk of cancer, using signs, symptoms, risk factors and other clinical markers.
The tool uses its advanced AI to identify which specific cancer(s) a patient is at risk of, and which test, investigation or specialist review that patient needs. It also enables GPs to instantly refer patients who need further support into the appropriate service as quickly and conveniently as possible.
The clinical diagnostic tool aids GPs in monitoring and supporting patients who are at risk of cancer. The tool can be used to risk assess and refer patients remotely through video consultation or over the phone.
Bhavagaya Bakshi, GP and co-founder of C the Signs said: “1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer. Delays in accessing cancer care can mean life or death for patients; it is therefore vital for us to ensure all patients at risk of cancer are identified and referred urgently.”
“Although behind the scenes, C the Signs has already made dramatic differences in patients’ lives by supporting doctors in this complex and challenging area of cancer. We are delighted to be rolling this out further so more patients can benefit.’
Dr Afsana Safa, GP and clinical director for cancer for North West London CCGs said: “GPs want patients with suspected cancer to be diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. We are excited to be rolling out C the Signs, which incorporates our local cancer pathways, to give patients at risk of cancer rapid access to tests, diagnostics and any treatment they may need.”
The rollout across North West London Clinical Commissioning Groups is supported by RM Partners, the West London Cancer Alliance hosted by The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
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Please contact the media team at North West London CCGs with any questions: nwlccgs.media@nhs.net
