A
computer program could help busy GPs spot patients who might have cancer, say
UK experts.
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Tiredness, weight loss and
persistent
cough can be symptoms of lung cancer
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It
estimates the risk of five types of cancer, including hard-to-detect conditions
such as ovarian and pancreatic cancer, based on symptoms.
If
cancer is a possible diagnosis, it alerts the GP and suggests more tests.
Practices
in England and Wales have been testing the software in a pilot scheme which is
partly funded by the Department of Health.
Macmillan
Cancer Support, the charity behind the work, hopes the electronic Cancer
Decision Support programme could be rolled out to surgeries across the UK from
next year.
Dr
Rosie Loftus, lead GP adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "GPs have
a vital role to play in ensuring that cancer is diagnosed at an early stage to
give people the best possible chance of survival.
