We ask the Government to mandate cancer training for all GPs in England, requiring all GPs to complete mandatory, standardised training on cancer red-flag symptoms, with formal assessment, regular revalidation, NHS England regulation, and GMC linkage to improve early diagnosis.
Early cancer diagnosis saves lives, yet delays in primary care remain. There is no mandatory, standardised training for GPs on cancer red-flag symptoms or reassessment. We call for nationally mandated, assessed, and regularly updated training to improve recognition, reduce delays, and improve patient outcomes, especially for children and young people.
Government response
It is crucial that GPs are able to identify cancer symptoms early. Our National Cancer Plan and Jess’s Rule support this. Standards and training for GPs are led by regulatory and professional bodies.