GPs urged to double cancer referrals

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GPs in England are being encouraged by the NHS advisory body to nearly double the number of patients referred for hospital cancer tests.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said delays in spotting symptoms could be costing thousands of lives each year

About 1.2 million people are currently referred annually, but this figure could rise to 2 million.

GPs said they were already "doing a very good job" at referrals.

Research has suggested that up to 10,000 people die every year because their cancer is diagnosed late, NICE said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30119230