BMJ 2001;322:1555-1556 ( 30 June )

Editorials

Is the two week rule for cancer referrals working?

Not too well

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Mortality rates in the United Kingdom for several cancers compare unfavourably with those in other countries,¹ and this may be explained at least partly by British patients having more advanced disease at the time of treatment than their European counterparts. Morbidity and mortality can be reduced through primary and secondary prevention, including screening; by early detection; and by prompt and effective treatment. Last year, in the context of the NHS's disgracefully long waiting lists, the government pledged that patients with suspected cancer would be seen by a specialist within two weeks of referral by their general practitioner. The aim was to reduce delays between presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. The two week rule has now been implemented across a range of specialties, supported by widely distributed information about risk factors and criteria for rapid referral for suspected cancer. How is it working?

Local rapid access referral mechanisms have been established, including . . . [Full text of this article]

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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

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M D Oliver
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Andrew Murray
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A new system to achieve the 2 week rule.

David Cade
bmj.com, 15 Jul 2001 [Full text]

capacity needs to exceed mean demand

Simon Thomas
bmj.com, 15 Jul 2001 [Full text]

Rapid Referral Clinics - Positive Aspect as well.

Phillip L Moore
bmj.com, 19 Jul 2001 [Full text]

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Adrian Indar
bmj.com, 20 Jul 2001 [Full text]

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