ABSTRACT
The number of patients with cancer and the number of patients surviving cancer is growing dramatically. More than 80% of patients with common cancers first present to their General Practitioners (GP) with symptoms. GPs have a place in the follow-up of many patients with cancer. Most cancer patients view their GP as having an important supportive role as hospital specialists do not have time to offer psychological support. The supportive and coordinating role of GPs led to cancer's inclusion in the Quality and Outcomes Framework. The aim of maintaining a register is to produce a recognisable improvement in the quality of cancer care by the primary healthcare team. The number of patients surviving cancer is growing dramatically. All cancer patients should be discussed in a multi-disciplinary team meeting attended by all the professionals involved in the care of the patient to identify and address the patient's and carer's needs. All cancers are diagnosed in secondary care.
