How this fits in

Evidence relating to the predictive value of blood tests for cancer diagnosis is growing, yet how often they are used by GPs in patients with cancer before its diagnosis is currently unclear. In England, two-fifths of patients subsequently diagnosed with cancer in 2018 had a full blood count, urea and electrolytes, or liver function test. Blood test use was less likely in females, Black and minority ethnic, and younger patients, and more likely in those presenting with non-specific symptoms. Longer intervals to referral and diagnosis were observed in patients who were tested. This research highlights the need for interventions to obviate (in populations presenting with more specific symptoms requiring referral) and increase use (in patients presenting with less specific symptoms) of blood tests in cancer populations.