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Supporting GPs To Recognise Cancer Symptoms Sooner
C the Signs
For most patients, their GP is the starting point on the path to early diagnosis.
Every year, GPs across the UK see millions of people with symptoms that could - but rarely do - indicate cancer. Recognising which of those subtle signs matter most is critical. At C the Signs, we’re helping GPs identify cancer symptoms sooner, combining AI-driven clinical insight with trusted medical evidence to turn uncertainty into action.
The Challenge of Early Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care
Cancer doesn’t always present clearly.
A persistent cough. Fatigue. Unexplained weight loss.
These are symptoms GPs encounter daily - most often caused by benign conditions, but sometimes the earliest indicators of cancer.
With over 200 cancer types and thousands of possible symptom combinations, even the most experienced clinicians face a challenge: balancing vigilance with efficiency in a 10-minute consultation.
That’s where C the Signs comes in - using data, evidence, and artificial intelligence to ensure no symptom is overlooked.
Turning Complexity Into Clarity
The C the Signs platform analyses symptoms, risk factors, demographics, and clinical data in seconds — highlighting when a patient may be at risk and guiding the clinician to the right next step.
By integrating directly with EMIS and SystmOne, the platform works seamlessly within NHS systems, enabling GPs to:
- Quickly cross-check symptoms against validated cancer pathways
- Identify rare or non-specific presentations earlier
- Refer patients confidently to the most appropriate service
This means patients at risk of cancer receive investigations and treatment sooner — when outcomes are most favourable.
Building Confidence Through Clinical Support
C the Signs isn’t just a platform - it’s built to work with clinicians, not instead of them. It brings together the best available evidence, national guidelines, and AI-powered insight into one clear, easy-to-use interface.
That means:
- Less diagnostic uncertainty
- More consistent, evidence-based referrals
- Improved patient safety and continuity of care
“C the Signs helps me confirm when my instincts are right — and sometimes, when they’re not.
It ensures that no patient slips through the net.”
— GP, North West England
Driving Early Diagnosis Across the NHS
By supporting GPs to recognise cancer symptoms earlier, C the Signs contributes directly to the NHS Long Term Plan ambition:
Diagnose 75% of cancers at stage 1 or 2 by 2028.
Across Primary Care Networks, Cancer Alliances, and Integrated Care Systems, GPs using C the Signs are already seeing measurable impact - with:
- More early referrals
- Faster diagnostic timelines
- Improved accuracy in identifying patients with cancer
Each earlier diagnosis means more patients receiving treatment when it can make the greatest difference - saving time, cost, and lives.
Beyond Technology - A Partnership for Change
Technology alone doesn’t transform healthcare - people do.
That’s why we work closely with GPs, practice nurses, and PCN teams to design and continually refine the platform based on real-world feedback.
Together, we’re transforming early cancer diagnosis from a reactive process into a proactive standard of care - one where every symptom is seen, every risk assessed, and every patient given the best possible chance.
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Why Early Cancer Diagnosis Matters
Cancer touches nearly every life, yet its outcome can change dramatically depending on one thing: how early it’s found.
At C the Signs, our mission is to make sure no patient faces a late cancer diagnosis. By helping clinicians detect cancer sooner, we can give every person the best chance of survival.
The Power of Early Diagnosis
When cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is simpler, recovery is quicker, and survival rates are dramatically higher.
In fact:
- Patients diagnosed at Stage 1 are up to three times more likely to survive than those diagnosed at Stage 4.
- For some cancers, such as bowel and breast cancer, early detection can mean survival rates of over 90%.
- The NHS estimates that over 55,000 lives could be saved each year in the UK through earlier diagnosis.
Yet, despite these numbers, nearly half of all cancers are still diagnosed at a later stage.
That’s where technology and innovation must step in.
The Challenge: Subtle Signs, Complex Pathways
Detecting cancer early isn’t always straightforward.
In primary care, GPs see hundreds of patients every week - many presenting with symptoms that could be caused by a wide range of conditions.
Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, persistent cough - they might be harmless, or they might be the first signs of cancer.
With over 200 different types of cancer, each with unique presentations, it’s easy to see how even experienced clinicians face uncertainty.
The traditional diagnostic process can be complex and time-consuming - but with AI-powered tools like C the Signs, we can help clinicians navigate those complexities in seconds.
How C the Signs Supports Early Diagnosis
C the Signs uses artificial intelligence and clinical research to help healthcare professionals identify cancer risk at the earliest opportunity.
It analyses combinations of symptoms, risk factors, demographics, and clinical data to highlight when a patient may need urgent testing or referral.
By integrating seamlessly with GP systems such as EMIS, SystmOne, and Vision, C the Signs supports faster, evidence-based decisions - right there in the consultation. Every time a clinician uses C the Signs, they’re helping to catch cancer earlier, speed up treatment, and improve outcomes.
Real Impact, Real Lives
Behind every early diagnosis is a patient who gets to start treatment sooner - and a family that gets to hold on to more time.
From NHS practices to Cancer Alliances across the UK, C the Signs is helping to make that difference daily.
GPs using the platform have seen:
- Increases in timely referrals,
- Improvements in diagnostic accuracy, and
- Greater confidence in identifying patients at risk.
Early diagnosis isn’t just a metric - it’s a moment that can change a life.
Working Towards a Shared NHS Goal
The NHS Long Term Plan sets an ambitious target:
By 2028, 75% of cancers should be diagnosed at Stage 1 or 2.
C the Signs is proud to support this national mission by equipping GPs and healthcare professionals with the tools they need to meet it.
By combining clinical expertise with AI, we’re helping transform early diagnosis from an aspiration into a reality.
Every Early Diagnosis Starts with Action
Every consultation is a chance to change a life.
By acting on subtle symptoms and supporting clinical decision-making, C the Signs empowers clinicians to make earlier, more confident diagnoses.
“Because when cancer is found early, we don’t just treat a disease - we save a future.”
Learn More
👉 Discover How C the Signs Works - explore our AI-powered approach to early diagnosis.
👉 Read The Story Behind C the Signs - our journey to change the future of cancer care.
A Wake-Up Call For All of Us: How Princess Kate’s Bravery is Shifting Cancer Awareness
In the wake of Princess Kate's deeply personal revelation, disclosed amidst relentless scrutiny from the press following her absence from royal duties, we are reminded of the delicate balance between public life and private suffering.
Her disclosure, shared with a heavy heart, was not a choice freely made but a response to an untenable situation where the boundary of personal privacy was breached by widespread speculation. Princess Kate demonstrated unparalleled bravery and a profound sense of solidarity with those quietly enduring their battles with cancer.
This situation underscores a critical conversation about the sanctity of privacy and the broader implications for everyone navigating through a cancer diagnosis. The loss of privacy can often feel like a loss of control, a sentiment deeply resonant with those dealing with cancer. It eliminates the autonomy to choose how and when to confront one's vulnerabilities, adding an unnecessary burden during an already tumultuous time. Respecting someone's diagnosis means allowing individuals the dignity to face their illness on their terms, to maintain control over their narrative, and to protect their identity from being overshadowed by their diagnosis.
The forced unveiling of Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis highlights the intense pressure public figures often face, transforming what should be a deeply private matter into public discourse. However, the manner in which she chose to address this unwelcome spotlight offers us a moment for reflection and, ultimately, inspiration.
The revelation of her diagnosis at the age of 42, as a mother of three, challenges widespread misconceptions about who can be affected by this pervasive disease. It underscores the stark reality that 1 in 2 individuals will face a lifetime risk of cancer, with 1 in 10 new diagnoses occurring in the 25-49 age group, and women being twice as likely as men to be diagnosed within this bracket. These statistics highlight the indiscriminate nature of cancer and emphasise the critical need for increased awareness and early detection efforts.
By sharing her story, Princess Kate has built a bridge of solace and understanding with women, parents, and cancer patients everywhere, those who grasp the depth of her experience on a profoundly human level. It serves as a reminder that behind the titles, responsibilities, and expectations are individuals grappling with their vulnerabilities, fears, and the daunting journey of cancer treatment. The princess's situation underscores why many opt to navigate their illness in private—protecting not just their sense of self but also affording themselves the space to cope with the multifaceted challenges cancer brings without the additional burden of public scrutiny.
Princess Kate's openness serves as a rallying cry for solidarity and hope. It's a poignant reminder that cancer does not discriminate—it can affect anyone's life, regardless of age or status. Her courage in sharing her story should serve as a call to action, urging people to actively engage in their health by recognising symptoms, understanding risks, and promptly seeking medical advice when needed, thus offering an opportunity to demystify the disease and encourage open discussions about health and the importance of early detection.
As our hearts go out to Princess Kate and countless others on their personal cancer journeys, this moment invites us to reflect on the compassion, understanding, and respect we owe to one another, fostering a community where everyone feels supported in their time of need.
References:
Cancer Research UK - almost 10% of new cancer diagnoses in people aged 25-49
NHS - 1 in 2 people will get cancer at some point in their lifetime
Featured
Cancer in Numbers: Why Interception Matters with Dr Miles Payling
Dr. Miles Payling
At the inaugural C the Signs Conference, Dr Miles Payling - Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer - delivered a message that captured the spirit of the movement redefining how the world detects cancer.
In a talk that fused science with humanity, he spoke not only about technology, but about time and how every second counts in the journey to early diagnosis.
“We can’t afford to wait for symptoms to become obvious. Every moment matters - because every moment lost is a choice, a treatment, a life that could have been saved.”
The Why - Where It All Began
Miles began with the story that shaped C the Signs’ mission. As an NHS doctor, he met a patient named Joe - fit, active, and 60 years old. After several GP visits with vague symptoms, Joe arrived at A&E jaundiced and weak. Scans confirmed metastatic pancreatic cancer. Three weeks later, Joe died.
“Joe never asked, why do I have cancer? What he asked was, why was my cancer picked up so late?”
That single question became the foundation of C the Signs - a platform designed to detect cancer early enough to change the outcome .
Today, that vision saves time and lives - with a patient with cancer detected every 22 minutes.
Why Early Detection Still Fails Too Many
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in the UK, with survival determined by the stage at diagnosis.
For breast cancer, five-year survival is 97.9 % at stage 1 but just 26.2 % at stage 4.
For bowel cancer, it falls from 91.7 % to 10.3 % .
Yet only 58.7 % of patients are diagnosed at early stages .
In primary care - where 90 % of all NHS patient contact takes place - GPs face impossible pressures: 10-minute consultations, thousands of patients, and on average just eight new cancer diagnoses a year .
“The problem isn’t people. It’s knowledge. We need to give every GP the power of precision - instantly.”
The Innovation - Redefining What’s Possible
C the Signs is an AI-powered, pan-cancer platform integrated directly with electronic health records. In under 30 seconds, it assesses risk, predicts tumour origin, and guides clinicians to the right diagnostic pathway across 100+ cancer types.
Real-world evaluations across the NHS have shown:
- 99 % sensitivity - finding nearly all patients with cancer
- 99 % negative predictive value - safely ruling out risk
- 94 % accuracy in predicting tumour origin
- 50 % reduction in emergency cancer presentations
- 21 % faster time-to-diagnosis - from 85 days to 67 days
Each figure represents a human life identified earlier, a family spared uncertainty, and a system made stronger.
The Movement - Honouring Jess’s Rule
Miles closed his speech by reflecting on Jessica Brady’s story - a 27-year-old whose symptoms were missed, leading to a late diagnosis and preventable loss .
To honour her legacy, C the Signs is implementing “Jess’s Rule” - a feature that automatically alerts clinicians when a patient presents three times or more with unresolved symptoms, and triggers a cancer risk assessment .
“We can turn tragedy into transformation - by ensuring that no patient is ever overlooked again.”
Together, we can make early cancer detection a standard for all, not a privilege for some - and give every person the time they deserve.
Awareness
Supporting GPs To Recognise Cancer Symptoms Sooner
For most patients, their GP is the starting point on the path to early diagnosis.
Every year, GPs across the UK see millions of people with symptoms that could - but rarely do - indicate cancer. Recognising which of those subtle signs matter most is critical. At C the Signs, we’re helping GPs identify cancer symptoms sooner, combining AI-driven clinical insight with trusted medical evidence to turn uncertainty into action.
The Challenge of Early Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care
Cancer doesn’t always present clearly.
A persistent cough. Fatigue. Unexplained weight loss.
These are symptoms GPs encounter daily - most often caused by benign conditions, but sometimes the earliest indicators of cancer.
With over 200 cancer types and thousands of possible symptom combinations, even the most experienced clinicians face a challenge: balancing vigilance with efficiency in a 10-minute consultation.
That’s where C the Signs comes in - using data, evidence, and artificial intelligence to ensure no symptom is overlooked.
Turning Complexity Into Clarity
The C the Signs platform analyses symptoms, risk factors, demographics, and clinical data in seconds — highlighting when a patient may be at risk and guiding the clinician to the right next step.
By integrating directly with EMIS and SystmOne, the platform works seamlessly within NHS systems, enabling GPs to:
- Quickly cross-check symptoms against validated cancer pathways
- Identify rare or non-specific presentations earlier
- Refer patients confidently to the most appropriate service
This means patients at risk of cancer receive investigations and treatment sooner — when outcomes are most favourable.
Building Confidence Through Clinical Support
C the Signs isn’t just a platform - it’s built to work with clinicians, not instead of them. It brings together the best available evidence, national guidelines, and AI-powered insight into one clear, easy-to-use interface.
That means:
- Less diagnostic uncertainty
- More consistent, evidence-based referrals
- Improved patient safety and continuity of care
“C the Signs helps me confirm when my instincts are right — and sometimes, when they’re not.
It ensures that no patient slips through the net.”
— GP, North West England
Driving Early Diagnosis Across the NHS
By supporting GPs to recognise cancer symptoms earlier, C the Signs contributes directly to the NHS Long Term Plan ambition:
Diagnose 75% of cancers at stage 1 or 2 by 2028.
Across Primary Care Networks, Cancer Alliances, and Integrated Care Systems, GPs using C the Signs are already seeing measurable impact - with:
- More early referrals
- Faster diagnostic timelines
- Improved accuracy in identifying patients with cancer
Each earlier diagnosis means more patients receiving treatment when it can make the greatest difference - saving time, cost, and lives.
Beyond Technology - A Partnership for Change
Technology alone doesn’t transform healthcare - people do.
That’s why we work closely with GPs, practice nurses, and PCN teams to design and continually refine the platform based on real-world feedback.
Together, we’re transforming early cancer diagnosis from a reactive process into a proactive standard of care - one where every symptom is seen, every risk assessed, and every patient given the best possible chance.
Why Early Cancer Diagnosis Matters
Cancer touches nearly every life, yet its outcome can change dramatically depending on one thing: how early it’s found.
At C the Signs, our mission is to make sure no patient faces a late cancer diagnosis. By helping clinicians detect cancer sooner, we can give every person the best chance of survival.
The Power of Early Diagnosis
When cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is simpler, recovery is quicker, and survival rates are dramatically higher.
In fact:
- Patients diagnosed at Stage 1 are up to three times more likely to survive than those diagnosed at Stage 4.
- For some cancers, such as bowel and breast cancer, early detection can mean survival rates of over 90%.
- The NHS estimates that over 55,000 lives could be saved each year in the UK through earlier diagnosis.
Yet, despite these numbers, nearly half of all cancers are still diagnosed at a later stage.
That’s where technology and innovation must step in.
The Challenge: Subtle Signs, Complex Pathways
Detecting cancer early isn’t always straightforward.
In primary care, GPs see hundreds of patients every week - many presenting with symptoms that could be caused by a wide range of conditions.
Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, persistent cough - they might be harmless, or they might be the first signs of cancer.
With over 200 different types of cancer, each with unique presentations, it’s easy to see how even experienced clinicians face uncertainty.
The traditional diagnostic process can be complex and time-consuming - but with AI-powered tools like C the Signs, we can help clinicians navigate those complexities in seconds.
How C the Signs Supports Early Diagnosis
C the Signs uses artificial intelligence and clinical research to help healthcare professionals identify cancer risk at the earliest opportunity.
It analyses combinations of symptoms, risk factors, demographics, and clinical data to highlight when a patient may need urgent testing or referral.
By integrating seamlessly with GP systems such as EMIS, SystmOne, and Vision, C the Signs supports faster, evidence-based decisions - right there in the consultation. Every time a clinician uses C the Signs, they’re helping to catch cancer earlier, speed up treatment, and improve outcomes.
Real Impact, Real Lives
Behind every early diagnosis is a patient who gets to start treatment sooner - and a family that gets to hold on to more time.
From NHS practices to Cancer Alliances across the UK, C the Signs is helping to make that difference daily.
GPs using the platform have seen:
- Increases in timely referrals,
- Improvements in diagnostic accuracy, and
- Greater confidence in identifying patients at risk.
Early diagnosis isn’t just a metric - it’s a moment that can change a life.
Working Towards a Shared NHS Goal
The NHS Long Term Plan sets an ambitious target:
By 2028, 75% of cancers should be diagnosed at Stage 1 or 2.
C the Signs is proud to support this national mission by equipping GPs and healthcare professionals with the tools they need to meet it.
By combining clinical expertise with AI, we’re helping transform early diagnosis from an aspiration into a reality.
Every Early Diagnosis Starts with Action
Every consultation is a chance to change a life.
By acting on subtle symptoms and supporting clinical decision-making, C the Signs empowers clinicians to make earlier, more confident diagnoses.
“Because when cancer is found early, we don’t just treat a disease - we save a future.”
Learn More
👉 Discover How C the Signs Works - explore our AI-powered approach to early diagnosis.
👉 Read The Story Behind C the Signs - our journey to change the future of cancer care.
A Wake-Up Call For All of Us: How Princess Kate’s Bravery is Shifting Cancer Awareness
In the wake of Princess Kate's deeply personal revelation, disclosed amidst relentless scrutiny from the press following her absence from royal duties, we are reminded of the delicate balance between public life and private suffering.
Her disclosure, shared with a heavy heart, was not a choice freely made but a response to an untenable situation where the boundary of personal privacy was breached by widespread speculation. Princess Kate demonstrated unparalleled bravery and a profound sense of solidarity with those quietly enduring their battles with cancer.
This situation underscores a critical conversation about the sanctity of privacy and the broader implications for everyone navigating through a cancer diagnosis. The loss of privacy can often feel like a loss of control, a sentiment deeply resonant with those dealing with cancer. It eliminates the autonomy to choose how and when to confront one's vulnerabilities, adding an unnecessary burden during an already tumultuous time. Respecting someone's diagnosis means allowing individuals the dignity to face their illness on their terms, to maintain control over their narrative, and to protect their identity from being overshadowed by their diagnosis.
The forced unveiling of Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis highlights the intense pressure public figures often face, transforming what should be a deeply private matter into public discourse. However, the manner in which she chose to address this unwelcome spotlight offers us a moment for reflection and, ultimately, inspiration.
The revelation of her diagnosis at the age of 42, as a mother of three, challenges widespread misconceptions about who can be affected by this pervasive disease. It underscores the stark reality that 1 in 2 individuals will face a lifetime risk of cancer, with 1 in 10 new diagnoses occurring in the 25-49 age group, and women being twice as likely as men to be diagnosed within this bracket. These statistics highlight the indiscriminate nature of cancer and emphasise the critical need for increased awareness and early detection efforts.
By sharing her story, Princess Kate has built a bridge of solace and understanding with women, parents, and cancer patients everywhere, those who grasp the depth of her experience on a profoundly human level. It serves as a reminder that behind the titles, responsibilities, and expectations are individuals grappling with their vulnerabilities, fears, and the daunting journey of cancer treatment. The princess's situation underscores why many opt to navigate their illness in private—protecting not just their sense of self but also affording themselves the space to cope with the multifaceted challenges cancer brings without the additional burden of public scrutiny.
Princess Kate's openness serves as a rallying cry for solidarity and hope. It's a poignant reminder that cancer does not discriminate—it can affect anyone's life, regardless of age or status. Her courage in sharing her story should serve as a call to action, urging people to actively engage in their health by recognising symptoms, understanding risks, and promptly seeking medical advice when needed, thus offering an opportunity to demystify the disease and encourage open discussions about health and the importance of early detection.
As our hearts go out to Princess Kate and countless others on their personal cancer journeys, this moment invites us to reflect on the compassion, understanding, and respect we owe to one another, fostering a community where everyone feels supported in their time of need.
References:
Cancer Research UK - almost 10% of new cancer diagnoses in people aged 25-49
NHS - 1 in 2 people will get cancer at some point in their lifetime