Lung Cancer Optimal Diagnostic Pathway

Optimal Lung Cancer Diagnostic Pathway

The NHS Scotland Optimal Lung Cancer Diagnostic Pathway is designed to reduce patient anxiety as they and their families wait for a diagnosis - cancer or not. It will also reduce the risk of the cancer growing or spreading, and the risk of performance status declining, which could mean more patients being unfit for effective treatment.

The clinically agreed national pathway sets out clear timeframes to achieve diagnosis by day 21 and commencement of treatment by day 42 – faster than current cancer waiting times standards.

A detailed description of the optimal diagnostic pathway, best practice examples and further resources can be found on the Right Decision Service.