Primary care plays a vital role in the cancer pathway. General practice, pharmacy, dentistry and optometry teams see large numbers of people every day and are often the first point of contact. This puts them in a strong position to recognise potential signs and symptoms of cancer and refer patients promptly for further investigation.
On average, a full-time GP may diagnose between 8–10 new cancer cases each year (excluding skin cancers). As more people are living longer with and beyond cancer, the wider primary care team also has an increasingly important role in ongoing care and support.
We work closely with our primary care colleagues across Thames Valley to support early diagnosis and high-quality care for people with cancer. In partnership with Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and cancer leads, we aim to ensure teams are kept up to date with pathway changes, guidance and best practice.
Support for Primary Care Professionals
We provide a range of resources and support to help primary care teams deliver effective cancer care, including education, updates and practical tools. View these here: Primary Care Toolkits
Macmillan Top 10 Tips for Primary Care
Macmillan has developed a Top 10 Tips series to support primary care professionals at every stage of the cancer pathway. These resources highlight best practice and offer practical, easy-to-apply guidance for everyday clinical work. The series also includes advice on making the most of virtual consultations.