Government responds to pressure: New guidance on brain tumour scans a huge step forward
Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust (SDBTT) welcomes new Guidance governing how GPs refer suspected brain tumour patients for MRI scans which will improve outcomes and save lives which responds directly to calls from Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and other brain tumour charities for health authorities and Government to take action to speed up the diagnosis of the condition.
If busy medical professionals are able to act on the Department of Health’s (DH) new best practice guidance ‘Direct Access to Diagnostic Tests for Cancer’ (issued in April) it will go a long way to achieving one of the key aims of the ‘Manifesto for Everyone Affected by a Brain tumour’ – developed by Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and other brain tumour charities – earlier and better diagnosis of brain tumours.
In order to facilitate faster diagnosis of brain tumours, the new guidance encourages GPs to initiate a direct referral for MRI brain scan at the same time as initiating an urgent referral to a specialist and sets out the symptoms which would justify such a referral.
Sarah Lindsell, CEO of SDBTT, said “58% of brain tumours are presently diagnosed because of an emergency presentation with only 1% of patients diagnosed following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer – this guidance is a major breakthrough to change these dreadful statistics in the future. It has been a long-standing aim of Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust to reduce diagnosis times for both adults and children, which is evidenced through our investment in our HeadSmart: be brain tumour aware campaign. We hear devastating stories of late and missed diagnosis on a daily basis and welcome any action to improve diagnosis times for patients in the future as it will reduce long term disabilities and ultimately save lives.“
The guidance sets out three sets of symptoms, which since 2005 have justified urgent referral for a maximum 2 week wait, but which would now also justify direct referral to scanning. These are detailed in the notes but include combinations symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, posture change and blackouts. It does point out that clinical judgement is still required because while 70% of patients with a brain tumour will experience a headache during their illness the chance of a headache being associated with a brain tumour is around 0.09%.
At the same time it confirms that over the next four years an unspecified share of the £450m dedicated to the Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer will be dedicated to raising the signs and symptoms of cancer and fund increased GP access to diagnostic tests such as a MRI.
Sarah Lindsell added: “The challenge is not to ensure ALL GPs are aware of this new guidance, including the signs and symptoms of brain tumours, and implement it effectively. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer and we will promote this guidance to all GPs and people affected by a brain tumour to save lives.”
The Department of Health’s announcement is available at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_133510
