A new approach to cancer diagnosis is helping patients get answers sooner.
Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services (RCDSs) are supporting earlier cancer detection in patients who present with non-specific symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue, according to the first annual report from Public Health Scotland (PHS).
More than 3400 patients across five sites in Scotland were referred through the programme in 2024.
Almost 1 in 10 (9.3%) of those referred were diagnosed with cancer, in line with similar services across the UK.
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The RCDS model is led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), hosted by NHS Golden Jubilee, and commissioned by the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Earlier Programme.
It offers GPs a fast-track referral route for patients with symptoms that don’t clearly indicate a single type of cancer or other condition.
For patients diagnosed with cancer through the service, the average time from referral to diagnosis was just 15 days.
For those who received a non-cancer outcome, the average time from referral to outcome was 25 days.
The most common cancers diagnosed through the service were lung, lymphoma and colorectal cancer.
Neil Gray, Scotland’s Health Secretary, said: "Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services are transforming the experience of thousands of patients across Scotland who are living with the worry of unexplained symptoms.
"Getting answers quickly can make an enormous difference, and it is fantastic to see these services delivering exactly that – fast, compassionate care at a time when people need it most.
"I want to pay tribute to the dedicated teams working across our Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services.
"Their commitment to patients shines through in the feedback we are hearing, and Scotland's NHS is lucky to have them.
"As we work to ensure excellent cancer care is available to everyone, I look forward to seeing how these services can be developed and reach even more patients across the country."
Six RCDSs are currently in operation across Scotland, covering NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Fife, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Borders and NHS Forth Valley.
Ross MacDuff, joint national clinical lead for earlier cancer diagnosis at the CfSD, said: "The evidence continues to show that Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services are doing what they set out to do – find cancer, at pace.
"The services allow GPs to act on their clinical concern, giving them a single place to refer to."
Scotland’s Cancer Strategy includes a focus on reducing health inequalities, with more than a quarter of RCDS referrals coming from the most deprived areas.
A University of Strathclyde evaluation in 2024 found the service model reduced patient anxiety, avoided unnecessary referrals and enabled quicker access to care.
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Patient feedback praised the service for its speed, professionalism and ability to help reduce anxiety.
One patient said: "I was triaged by an exceptionally caring nurse specialist who guided me through every step.
"The service was professional, fast and kind, it made a very anxious time easier."
Another said: "I was very anxious about the appointment, but the team’s warm and professional approach soon put me at ease.
"They listened carefully and took time to explain everything.
"More GPs and patients should know about this service."
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