Rapid Diagnostic Centres (RDC), also known as Non-specific Symptoms Services (NSS), are for patients with symptoms that are concerning for malignancy but do not fit a tumour-specific pathway. Presentations may include weight loss, abdominal pain, other progressive pain or fatigue, where these are unexplained, or the clinician has a “gut feeling” about a possible serious cause. RDC / NSS are also for those patients who have symptoms that suggest possible cancer in more than one site. Patients will be rapidly assessed and undergo a range of investigations to rule a cancer diagnosis in or out.

You should refer using your local service’s specific form. Information on where to find this will be on your ICB’s cancer services web pages – see links below. Prepare the patient for referral by arranging the required filter function tests, as their care may be delayed if the hospital needs to arrange a test that has not already been done. Note that filter function tests may also guide you to refer via a different pathway, for example if FIT level is raised to Lower GI, or PSA raised to Urology.

A list of RDC/NSS services in London is provided below. Please note that as services evolve this list may change. Please contact your GP Cancer Lead or Trust RDC/NSS Service for advice if needed.

Non-Specific Symptom Pathway Services / Rapid Diagnostic Services in London:

• North Central London 
• North East London 
• North West and South West London 
• South East London

Click here for a map showing RDC sites across London, including those in development.