Hundreds diagnosed within 17 days through Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services
People with unexplained non-specific symptoms are receiving quicker access to diagnostic tests through Scotland’s Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services (RCDSs), with hundreds diagnosed with cancer in an average of just 17 days, according to newly published data this week from Public Health Scotland.
Led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD) through the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Earlier Programme, RCDSs were developed to support patients whose symptoms do not fit traditional site-specific cancer referral routes. The RCDSs combine fast clinical review, a single point of contact, coordinated testing, quick decision-making and direct referrals to help patients get answers sooner.
RCDSs give Primary Care access to a fast-track route to refer patients with non-specific but concerning symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue or persistent pain. Because these symptoms do not clearly point to a specific type of cancer or other condition, a diagnosis can often be delayed.
The latest figures show that over 4,400 referrals were made to the 6 existing RCDSs in 2025.
Of the 3,446 patients accepted onto the pathway, 239 people were diagnosed with cancer (8.4% conversion) and rapidly referred to the most appropriate specialist cancer service. Patients diagnosed with cancer received a diagnosis within an average of just 17 days from referral.
Of those who completed the pathway in 2025, over 65% received a non-cancer diagnosis and 25% received a no-diagnosis outcome, allowing them to be discharged or referred to the most appropriate NHS service with the reassurance that cancer is ruled out.
The services are also helping to tackle health inequalities, with more than a quarter of referrals (25.1%) coming from Scotland’s most deprived communities, ensuring that people who are often at greater risk of later diagnosis can access rapid assessment and investigation.
Dr Philip Hodkinson, Consultant Physician and Co-Clinical Lead for Cancer Improvement and Earlier Diagnosis at the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, said: “When people experience symptoms that they are worried about, waiting for answers can be one of the most difficult and stressful times.
"Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services help patients get the investigations and specialist assessment they need more quickly, giving them greater clarity about what is causing their symptoms.
“The growing number of people using these services shows the difference they’re making for patients across Scotland. The latest figures show that lung and HPB (hepato-pancreato-biliary – affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts) are the 2 most common cancers being diagnosed by RCDSs – this is important as these patients can often deteriorate quickly without the right specialist input.”
For NHS Fife patient Steven, the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service meant he was able to receive a diagnosis and begin treatment much sooner than he expected.
Steven said: "From the moment I was referred, everything moved quickly. It was almost like going in the door, through the process and out the door with an answer.
"Receiving a cancer diagnosis was difficult, but the support I received from the team was exceptional. They explained everything clearly, kept me informed and made sure I always knew what would happen next.
"For anyone facing the uncertainty of unexplained symptoms, getting answers quickly makes an enormous difference. I can't speak highly enough of the service and the people who work within it."
There are now 6 RCDSs operating across NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Borders, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley and NHS Lanarkshire.
As Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services continue to expand across Scotland, they are helping more patients with unexplained symptoms receive answers sooner, whether that results in a cancer diagnosis requiring urgent treatment or reassurance that cancer has been ruled out.
This work forms part of CfSD’s ongoing commitment to diagnose cancer faster by delivering innovative and sustainable services that help patients access the right investigations, in the right place, at the right time.
Read the full report:
https://publichealthscotland.scot/media/40517/20260929_rcds_report_final.pdf
