New cancer guidelines for GPs

GPs now have new national guidelines to help them detect cancer earlier.

The Ministry of Health has launched the guidelines, although it will be a few years before they are fully implemented.

Spokesman Dr John Childs says the Ministry has come up with information about how to better recognise or suspect when a patient has cancer.

He says this will help raise a signal to the GP when someone presents with certain symptoms. Dr Childs says they will also provide guidance around referrals to special services, and what tests may be needed.

He says the guidelines are being implemented because GPs are not up to standard, detecting cancer in only about four patients each year. Dr Childs says GPs only have limited involvement with patients with cancer, so the guidelines will help.

- NEWSTALK ZB