Resources for GPs

We have tools and resources to help GPs support people living with or at risk of cancer.

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Learning and communications hub

Join our new learning and communications hub to access useful learning and development tools, resources and networking opportunities to help you in your role.

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Coronavirus hub for professionals

We understand it's a challenging time for healthcare professionals. That's why we're doing whatever it takes to support you with the latest information, training and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can also access our emotional health and well-being hub to learn about all the ways we're here for you.

Visit the coronavirus hub

A guide to the GP contract 2022/23

GPs play a vital role in the early diagnosis of cancer and in supporting people living with cancer. There are contractual requirements to support this. We have guidance to help with:

  • the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF)
  • Investment and Impact fund (IIF)
  • Primary Care Network Direct Enhanced Service Contract (PCN DES).

We also have resources to support Cancer Care Reviews and quality improvement in primary care.


Access GP contract guide

Rapid referral guidelines

Our Rapid Referral Guidelines are designed to help you identify children, young people and adults with symptoms of suspected cancer. They can help you decide if a referral is:

  • non-urgent – requires routine referral or tests
  • urgent – required within two weeks
  • very urgent – required within 48 hours.

The guidelines are endorsed by NICE and summarise the (NG12) guidelines for suspected cancer. They suggest what to look for in primary care, with referral recommendations and safety netting advice.

The NHS has specific Referral guidelines for Scotland.


Access the guidelines

Electronic safety netting toolkit

The North Central London Cancer Alliance (formerly UCLH Cancer Collaborative) has developed an electronic toolkit to support GPs with safety netting in cancer-related clinical situations. The toolkit will support GPs to:

  • schedule diary reminders in their system
  • receive alerts to follow up with patients at a later date
  • share important information with patients.

The toolkit can be accessed nationally by any GP practice using EMIS Web.

Access the toolkit and resources

Social prescribing resources

Social prescribing is a means of enabling healthcare professionals to refer patients to local, non-clinical services. It is often facilitated by a GP or practice nurse in a primary care setting.

We worked with social prescribing colleagues and primary care teams to develop resources to support you.

Top tips for primary care professionals

We've created our 10 top tips series to help primary care professionals support patients at every stage of the cancer pathway. The tips are designed to showcase best practice and offer practical advice for your role.

We have tips to support primary care professionals with:

  • early diagnosis of cancer
  • management of treatment side effects
  • prehabilitation and rehabilitation
  • palliative and end of life care
  • social prescribing.

View all top tips

Oncology and haematology risk assessment tool

We have developed a risk assessment tool to help primary care professionals recognise and manage the side effects of treatment in oncology and haematology patients.

It will help you to support patients who are:

  • at risk of immunosuppresion
  • receiving systemic anti-cancer therapies
  • undergoing radiotherapy.

The tool uses a Red, Amber, Green (RAG) system to grade symptoms and advises action accordingly.

Cancer Decision Support (CDS) tool

The Cancer Decision Support (CDS) tool helps GPs with clinical decision making. It encourages GPs to 'think cancer' and shows the risk of a patient having an undiagnosed, site-specific cancer. The tool calculates the risk of cancer based on coded information in the patient's file, including:

  • symptoms
  • medical history
  • demographic data.

How to access the CDS tool

You can access the tool from these GP IT providers:

We have created a series of video tutorials for the CDS tool.

Innovation in cancer care resources

We invest in programmes and services to help professionals adopt new and innovative ways to deliver cancer care in the UK. Working in communities and with the NHS, we fund pilots to improve experiences and outcomes for people with cancer. With this knowledge, we have created tools and resources to help you deliver:

Find out more about our work

Clinical updates for GPs

Stay up to date with the latest developments in cancer care, with expert news, opinion and analysis. You'll also find blogs about our professionals and the fantastic work they do.


Read our latest blogs for healthcare professionals.

Subscribe to our newsletters

We publish a range of newsletters for professionals who support people living with cancer. Whatever your role, we'll support you with clinical updates, tools and resources.


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Research and evidence

We're at the forefront of understanding the needs and experiences of people living with cancer. Get the evidence and insight you need to develop or deliver best practice in cancer care, delivered by our team of experts. 


Get insights now

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Patient services

We do whatever it takes from the moment someone is diagnosed. Find out how to refer patients to Macmillan’s support services.
Macmillan Support Line

Our specialist advisers can give advice and support to your patients. Encourage them to call us on 8080 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am – 8pm).
Macmillan Grants

Living with cancer can be tough on people’s finances. Support your patients to apply for a Macmillan Grant so we can help ease their money worries.
Booklets

It’s quick and easy to order free booklets to give to your patients, their families and carers. Topics include cancer types, treatment, and emotional support.