Last reviewed: 18 July 2024

PCN service specification on early cancer diagnosis 2024/25

We support GPs to deliver the Primary Care Network (PCN) service specification on early cancer diagnosis and health inequalities. Discover information and resources below.

Last reviewed: 18 July 2024


Review referral practice

What’s required?

PCNs are required to review cancer referral practice in collaboration with partners and working to improve early diagnosis. Alliances have been allocated funding to support this work. PCNs and Alliances should develop a clear set of actions and milestones to improve referral practice for colorectal cancer, lung cancer and one other cancer type based on the burden of late stage diagnosis and opportunity for timely and effective referral to support early diagnosis.  

Supporting resources  

Teledermatology resources

  • Read our skin cancer insight guide to improve your knowledge of typical features and referral guidelines for suspected skin cancer. 

  • Read NHS England’s dermatology digital playbook for support on how to use digital tools that support the delivery of patient pathways.  

Non-specific symptoms resources

Safety netting resources

Safety netting is a diagnostic management strategy that aims to ensure patients are monitored throughout the diagnostic process until their symptoms or signs are explained and results have been acted upon or their symptoms are resolved.  

Download our free wallet card sized leaflet to help patients who have been urgently referred with suspected cancer to prepare for their appointments and tests. 

Improving screening uptake (breast, bowel and cervical) 

What’s required? 

PCNs are required to work with partners to improve screening uptake, inclusive of breast, bowel and cervical cancer. This includes using data to understand variance in screening programme uptake, auditing non-responders to the cancer screening programme and ensuring screening history is checked at every appointment.  

Supporting resources 

Screening resources

Improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities

What’s required?

A PCN must seek to improve health outcomes for its population using a data-driven approach and population health management techniques in line with guidance and the CORE20PLUS5 approach. PCNs should work in partnership within local communities to deliver effective outreach and target care to address health inequalities that are amendable to primary care intervention.

Supporting resources 

PCN DES mini video series

Please note these videos were produced in 2021/22 and the content is still relevant for 2024/25, except for references to the Covid Hub and Facilitator Programme, which no longer exist. You can find out more information and support on our Health Professional website pages.

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