Scotland currently has six rapid cancer diagnostic services (RCDSs) that treat patients.
Health boards
The following Scottish health boards offer RCDSs:
- NHS Fife
- NHS Dumfries & Galloway
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran
- NHS Lanarkshire
- NHS Borders
- NHS Forth Valley
Treatment
After referral, the patient will receive the most appropriate imaging investigations managed by a RCDS team. This could be:
- a CT scan
- MRI scan
- ultrasound or
- a biopsy
Non-specific symptoms are associated with:
- delayed diagnosis
- higher rates of later-stage disease
- poorer outcomes
These patients typically experience longer diagnostic intervals and are more likely to be diagnosed via A&E. This reduces treatment options and survival rate.