Faster reassurance for patients who don’t have cancer

Dr Ingrid Britton, Consultant Radiologist

Patients who get a normal scan result when tested for colorectal cancer are receiving faster reassurance that they do not have the disease, thanks to a new way of working in Radiology. Following a successful pilot, GI (gastrointestinal) radiologists now enter a special code at the end of their reports if a patient’s scan result is normal. Radiology data analysts then run a daily report for colorectal secretaries and the cancer team and all patients with this code are sent a letter telling them they do not have cancer.

Whilst patients whose scan result suggests cancer are rapidly escalated for further investigations on a same-day basis by radiographers, people who test negative usually face a wait of between two and four weeks before a negative result is confirmed.

Dr Ingrid Britton, Consultant Radiologist, said: “Patients are now getting their results between six and 14 days earlier. This means they can have peace of mind that sooner, which is incredibly important for wellbeing. Another advantage is that the cancer team can then focus on the patients whose treatment does need to be expedited. We have received really positive feedback from local GPs and it’s clear to see that people are delighted with this initiative.”