Guidelines on cancer referrals in Scotland have been updated in a bid to recognise symptoms of the disease earlier.

In a collaborative effort involving the Scottish Primary Care Cancer Group, Macmillan Cancer Support and Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the guidelines are designed to help identify patients who are most likely to have cancer and require urgent assessment by a specialist.

It is expected the update will also assist in identifying patients who are unlikely to have cancer.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The latest Scottish referral guidelines for suspected cancer will help ensure clinicians in Scotland have access to the most up-to-date evidence to refer patients with symptoms suspicious of cancer on to the most appropriate pathway at the right time.

“The updated guidelines also reflect changes within primary care, recognising not only the role advanced nurse practitioners, practice nurses, pharmacists, dentists and optometrists play in spotting symptoms, but also the importance of putting individuals at the centre of decision-making.

“We are working hard to improve the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare for cancer patients in Scotland through our £100 million cancer strategy.

“To date, 87% of the actions in this strategy have either been completed or are on track.”

A patient support leaflet – Your Urgent Referral Explained – has been developed in partnership with Cancer Research UK to coincide with the launch of the revised guidelines.