Cancer Referral form - Lower GI

LOCAL CONTACT DETAILSCancer Waiting Times Co-ordinator Tel. 01708 435169 Queen’s HospitalCRITERIA 1 FOR URGENT SUSPECTED CANCER REFERRALPlease FAX the referral form within 24 hoursRefer a patient who presents with symptoms suggestive of colorectal or anal cancer to ateam specialising in the management of lower gastrointestinal cancer, depending on localarrangements.Investigations• Always carry out a digital rectal examination in patients with unexplainedsymptoms related to the lower gastrointestinal tract.• Where symptoms are equivocal a full blood count may help in identifying thepossibility of colorectal cancer by demonstrating iron deficiency anaemia, whichshould then determine if a referral should be made and its urgency.• When referring, a full blood count will assist specialist assessment in theoutpatient clinic.• When referring, no examinations or investigations other than abdominal andrectal examination and FBC are recommended as this may delay referral