Development and Modelling of a Non-Specific Symptoms (NSS) Cancer Referral Pathway to Improve Early Detection in Ireland

Prof. Patrick Redmond

Patrick Redmond, GP and associate professor in General Practice at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, was awarded with a Breakthrough Cancer Research Innovation Grant 2024 in partnership with Royal London.

Early cancer detection significantly improves patient outcomes, but diagnosing cancer can be challenging when patients present with non-specific symptoms (NSS) like unexplained weight loss or fatigue. These symptoms often signal aggressive cancers, such as pancreatic, ovarian, or lung cancer, which tend to be diagnosed late under existing pathways.

This project aims to create a new referral pathway to help GPs identify and refer patients with NSS more efficiently for further testing. The pathway will be built based on insights from data analysis and stakeholder engagement. We will begin by analysing data from Irish general practices to understand how NSS are currently managed and the impact on cancer detection. We will also conduct interviews and focus groups with healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers to identify the barriers in current systems and opportunities for improvement.

Using these insights, we will develop and model a dedicated NSS Cancer Referral Pathway and assess its impact on healthcare resources and outcomes. Stakeholders—including doctors, patients, and policymakers—will be involved in refining the pathway to ensure it is practical and ready for use.

The project, supported by national collaborators like the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Centric Health, as well as international partners such as Oxford University and Queen Mary University London will help transform cancer care in Ireland. By designing a more efficient referral system, we aim to reduce diagnostic delays and improve survival rates for cancers with poor prognoses.