CCLG-Referral guidance for suspected cancer in children and young people

The NICE guideline covers the identification of symptoms that could be caused by cancer in people of all ages. It outlines appropriate investigations in primary care and selection of people to refer for specialist opinion.

This guidance is specific to children as it is recognised that there are a number of differences in the presentation, referral pathways and care of children with cancer compared with those of adults.

Referral guidance for suspected cancer in children and young people

This booklet accurately reflects recommendations in the NICE guidance on recognition and referral for suspected cancer.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence April 2021

Rationale and evidence base for a paediatric supplement

Referral guidelines for children with suspected cancer were first published in 2005 and revised in 2015. Whilst the 2015 document provides some evidence to support the guidance offered, this is based on evidence from primary care, which is sparse with respect to presentation of cancer in children. The 2015 guidance also presents most of children’s malignancies alongside their adult counterparts. However, there are differences in incidence, presentation and types of malignancies seen in the younger age group. Consequently, key symptoms and signs of children’s cancer do not receive due...