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Lightening the Load: Addressing the Pressures on GPs in Diagnosing Cancer
C the Signs
Diagnosing cancer early is one of the greatest challenges faced by GPs. With vague and non-specific symptoms, a lack of time in consultations, large patient caseloads, and complex cancer guidelines, the burden on GPs is immense. Add to this the administrative pressures of coordinating referrals and ensuring diagnostic pathways are followed, all whilst making sure not to refer inappropriately, and it’s clear why early cancer detection is as emotionally taxing as it is critical.
In this environment, GPs are asked to do the near-impossible: spot subtle early signs of cancer that can easily be mistaken for more benign conditions—all within the constraints of a 10-minute appointment. For many, this balancing act takes a toll, contributing to stress, burnout, and the constant fear of missing a life-threatening diagnosis.
The High-Stakes Nature of Early Detection
Cancer’s early signs are notoriously difficult to pinpoint. Symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or vague abdominal pain can overlap with countless other conditions. GPs must sift through these clues, often relying on incomplete information, and decide whether further investigation is warranted.
Adding to the pressure is the sheer volume of cases GPs handle daily. With limited time per patient, it’s easy for even experienced practitioners to feel overwhelmed by the weight of these decisions. And then there’s the administrative side: navigating referral systems, updating records, and ensuring compliance with national guidelines.
The stakes are incredibly high. Delays in diagnosis can lead to advanced-stage cancers, where treatment options are fewer, less effective, and more invasive. For patients, this can mean reduced survival chances. For GPs, the emotional burden of missed or delayed diagnoses is profound.
A Tool to Ease the Pressure: How C the Signs Supports GPs
While GPs shoulder this immense responsibility, C the Signs is stepping in to provide much-needed support. Rather than replacing the expertise of doctors, this AI-driven platform acts as a second pair of eyes, helping GPs identify cancer risks quickly and accurately.
C the Signs analyses a wide range of patient data—symptoms, demographics, and risk factors—and provides tailored diagnostic pathways within seconds. It alleviates the mental load of memorising extensive cancer guidelines, ensuring that no critical detail is overlooked. For GPs, this means faster, evidence-based decisions and more time to focus on their patients.
With enhanced patient safety-netting and safer workflows, C the Signs supports GPs in effectively monitoring patients who may be at risk of cancer, ensuring timely follow-ups and reducing the chances of missed or delayed diagnoses.
Proven Impact on Detection Accuracy
The platform’s impact speaks for itself. In a recent SNEE ICB study, C the Signs facilitated a 12.3% increase in cancer detection rates, whilst showing no notable increase in diagnostic or referral activities.
For GPs, this means fewer delays, less second-guessing, and a smoother pathway to getting their patients the care they need. For patients, it’s a matter of life and death—earlier diagnosis significantly increases survival rates and opens the door to less invasive treatments.
A Lifeline for GPs
By reducing the cognitive and administrative pressures of cancer detection, C the Signs is helping to combat the burnout that’s becoming all too common in primary care. GPs can work with greater peace of mind, confident that they’re making the best decisions for their patients.
Early cancer detection will always be a challenging aspect of primary care, but with C the Signs, GPs have a powerful ally. It’s not just about saving lives—it’s about supporting the people who dedicate their careers to doing so.
Can Cannabis Cure Cancer?
Conversations about cannabis and cancer are everywhere, from news stories to social media. For some, cannabis represents hope, for others, confusion. What’s clear is that research is still catching up with public interest.
So, what do we actually know about cannabis, its components, and its potential role in cancer care?
What is cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant that has been used for thousands of years, both recreationally and medicinally. The resin it produces contains cannabinoids, chemical compounds that can interact with the human body.
Two of the main cannabinoids are:
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the compound that causes a “high.”
- Cannabidiol (CBD) - which doesn’t cause a high and is legal in the UK when sold without THC.
The human body naturally produces its own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids, which help regulate processes such as appetite, mood and pain. This system is complex and continues to be studied, including how it may relate to certain diseases, cancer among them.
The legal status in the UK
Cannabis remains a Class B drug under UK law, meaning it’s illegal to possess or supply it. However, several prescribed medicines derived from cannabis are approved for use in the NHS, including:
- Nabilone, used to help control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
- Epidyolex, used to treat certain types of severe epilepsy.
These are highly regulated medicines, prescribed only when other treatments haven’t worked.
CBD products, such as oils, drops, or gummies, are legal to buy in the UK if they contain no THC and are marketed as food supplements. They cannot legally claim to treat or prevent disease.
What about cannabis oil?
Cannabis oil products vary widely. Some contain only CBD, while others, often sold illegally, include THC. Pure CBD oil is legal to buy as a food supplement in the UK, but products sold online or in shops are not medicines and are not regulated for quality or content.
People living with cancer sometimes explore CBD oil to help with pain, anxiety or sleep. However, claims that CBD or cannabis oil can cure or shrink cancer are not supported by scientific evidence.
If a patient wishes to try CBD, they should always speak to their GP, pharmacist or cancer care team first - especially as CBD can interact with other prescribed medicines.
Cannabis and cancer: what the evidence shows
Researchers around the world have been studying cannabinoids and their potential role in cancer treatment. The results have been mixed and mostly early stage.
Some laboratory studies show that cannabinoids can:
- Trigger cancer cells to die (a process called apoptosis).
- Slow the growth of certain cancer cells.
- Prevent tumours from forming new blood vessels.
However, other studies have found that cannabinoids can:
- Damage healthy blood vessels.
- Sometimes promote cancer cell growth under certain conditions.
It’s also important to note that most of this research has been done in cells in the lab or in animals, not in people. What works in a petri dish doesn’t always translate into safe or effective treatments for patients.
As of 2025, there is no reliable clinical evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids can treat or cure cancer in humans.
What the research is exploring
Recent trials are beginning to look at cannabinoids in controlled, medical settings. These studies focus mainly on symptom control or exploring whether cannabinoids can be safely combined with standard treatment - not on replacing proven therapies.
Medicinal cannabis for symptom control in advanced cancer (2025)
A randomised, double-blind clinical trial tested a cannabis oil against placebo in patients with advanced cancer. The trial found no difference in overall symptom distress, though some patients reported a small reduction in pain. However, this came with higher rates of side effects such as dizziness and fatigue, highlighting the need for further research into safe dosing.
(Hardy et al., 2025).
The ARISTOCRAT trial – UK, ongoing
The ARISTOCRAT trial, led by the University of Leeds and the University of Birmingham, is testing nabiximols (Sativex), a balanced THC:CBD oral spray, alongside standard chemotherapy for people with recurrent glioblastoma. Early data suggests the treatment is well tolerated. The study aims to understand whether adding cannabinoids could improve survival.
(University of Leeds, 2021; The Brain Tumour Charity, 2023; BMC Cancer trial protocol, University of Birmingham, 2023)
Together, these studies show that research is progressing, but there is still no clear evidence that cannabinoids improve cancer outcomes.
What we still need to understand
There are still important questions to answer:
- Which cannabinoids (natural or synthetic) might be most effective?
- What doses are safe and meaningful?
- Which cancer types, if any, might respond?
- How do cannabinoids interact with existing treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy?
Until large, well-controlled clinical trials can answer these questions, cannabis cannot be recommended as a cancer treatment.
The bottom line
There’s currently no reliable evidence that cannabis or cannabis oil can treat or cure cancer.
Some cannabinoids may help manage symptoms such as pain, sickness or appetite loss, but always under clinical supervision.
For anyone considering CBD or cannabis-based products, the safest step is to talk to a GP or oncology specialist first. They can help review what’s evidence-based, what’s safe, and what may interfere with ongoing treatment.
Because every informed choice, and every early conversation,gives patients back control, confidence and clarity.
References
Hardy JR, Greer RM, Pelecanos A, et al. (2025). Medicinal cannabis for symptom control in advanced cancer: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial of 1:1 tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Supportive Care in Cancer. DOI: 10.1007/s00520-025-09763-5
University of Leeds (2021). World-first trial tests cannabis-based drug on aggressive brain tumours. Leeds.ac.uk
The Brain Tumour Charity (2023). ARISTOCRAT: a pioneering trial using a cannabinoid-based drug to treat brain tumours. thebraintumourcharity.org
University of Birmingham (2023). A randomised phase II trial of temozolomide with or without cannabinoids in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (ARISTOCRAT). BMC Cancer protocol. birmingham.ac.uk
Cancer Research UK (2023). Cannabinoids and cancer: what we know. news.cancerresearchuk.org
Winter Fatigue Or Something More?
Feeling more tired than usual as winter sets in is common. Shorter days, colder weather, and the rush of everyday life can leave anyone feeling run down. But sometimes, what feels like normal winter fatigue can be something more, and knowing when to check in with your GP can make all the difference.
Why fatigue is common in winter
As daylight hours shorten, many of us feel our energy dip. Lower vitamin D, changes in sleep patterns, and spending more time indoors can all affect how we feel. For most people, this tiredness passes with rest, daylight, and better routines.
But ongoing fatigue, especially when it’s new, persistent, or hard to explain, deserves attention.
When tiredness might signal something else
Tiredness is one of the most common symptoms GPs see, and it can have many causes: stress, anaemia, thyroid issues, infections, or low mood. Occasionally, it can also be an early sign of something more serious, including some cancers.
That doesn’t mean it usually is, but listening to your body and noticing changes early matters.
It’s a good idea to speak to your GP if:
- You feel unusually tired for more than a few weeks.
- You’ve noticed other changes - like weight loss, persistent pain, bloating, or changes in your appetite.
- Your tiredness is getting worse, or affecting your ability to do daily activities.
- Something just doesn’t feel right.
Trust your instinct.
What your GP can do
Your GP is there to help you figure out what’s behind your symptoms. They may:
- Ask questions about your lifestyle, sleep, or stress levels.
- Arrange simple blood tests to check for common causes like anaemia or thyroid issues.
- Discuss whether further investigations or referrals are needed.
Early conversations mean early answers. And if something more serious is found, early detection gives people more time, more choice, and more life.
Taking care of yourself this winter
There are small things you can do that help boost your energy and protect your health:
- Try to get outside for natural light every day, even briefly.
- Keep hydrated and eat regularly - skipping meals can make tiredness worse.
- Move your body in ways that feel good.
- Prioritise rest - recovery is part of productivity.
- Notice changes and speak up early.
The takeaway
Feeling tired in winter is normal. But if the tiredness lingers, feels different, or comes with other changes, don’t ignore it. Checking in early can make a real difference, and sometimes, it can even save a life.
Because when it comes to health, time matters.
Early conversations lead to earlier answers, and earlier answers give people back control, confidence, and choice.
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.
Health
Lightening the Load: Addressing the Pressures on GPs in Diagnosing Cancer
Diagnosing cancer early is one of the greatest challenges faced by GPs. With vague and non-specific symptoms, a lack of time in consultations, large patient caseloads, and complex cancer guidelines, the burden on GPs is immense. Add to this the administrative pressures of coordinating referrals and ensuring diagnostic pathways are followed, all whilst making sure not to refer inappropriately, and it’s clear why early cancer detection is as emotionally taxing as it is critical.
In this environment, GPs are asked to do the near-impossible: spot subtle early signs of cancer that can easily be mistaken for more benign conditions—all within the constraints of a 10-minute appointment. For many, this balancing act takes a toll, contributing to stress, burnout, and the constant fear of missing a life-threatening diagnosis.
The High-Stakes Nature of Early Detection
Cancer’s early signs are notoriously difficult to pinpoint. Symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or vague abdominal pain can overlap with countless other conditions. GPs must sift through these clues, often relying on incomplete information, and decide whether further investigation is warranted.
Adding to the pressure is the sheer volume of cases GPs handle daily. With limited time per patient, it’s easy for even experienced practitioners to feel overwhelmed by the weight of these decisions. And then there’s the administrative side: navigating referral systems, updating records, and ensuring compliance with national guidelines.
The stakes are incredibly high. Delays in diagnosis can lead to advanced-stage cancers, where treatment options are fewer, less effective, and more invasive. For patients, this can mean reduced survival chances. For GPs, the emotional burden of missed or delayed diagnoses is profound.
A Tool to Ease the Pressure: How C the Signs Supports GPs
While GPs shoulder this immense responsibility, C the Signs is stepping in to provide much-needed support. Rather than replacing the expertise of doctors, this AI-driven platform acts as a second pair of eyes, helping GPs identify cancer risks quickly and accurately.
C the Signs analyses a wide range of patient data—symptoms, demographics, and risk factors—and provides tailored diagnostic pathways within seconds. It alleviates the mental load of memorising extensive cancer guidelines, ensuring that no critical detail is overlooked. For GPs, this means faster, evidence-based decisions and more time to focus on their patients.
With enhanced patient safety-netting and safer workflows, C the Signs supports GPs in effectively monitoring patients who may be at risk of cancer, ensuring timely follow-ups and reducing the chances of missed or delayed diagnoses.
Proven Impact on Detection Accuracy
The platform’s impact speaks for itself. In a recent SNEE ICB study, C the Signs facilitated a 12.3% increase in cancer detection rates, whilst showing no notable increase in diagnostic or referral activities.
For GPs, this means fewer delays, less second-guessing, and a smoother pathway to getting their patients the care they need. For patients, it’s a matter of life and death—earlier diagnosis significantly increases survival rates and opens the door to less invasive treatments.
A Lifeline for GPs
By reducing the cognitive and administrative pressures of cancer detection, C the Signs is helping to combat the burnout that’s becoming all too common in primary care. GPs can work with greater peace of mind, confident that they’re making the best decisions for their patients.
Early cancer detection will always be a challenging aspect of primary care, but with C the Signs, GPs have a powerful ally. It’s not just about saving lives—it’s about supporting the people who dedicate their careers to doing so.
Can Cannabis Cure Cancer?
Conversations about cannabis and cancer are everywhere, from news stories to social media. For some, cannabis represents hope, for others, confusion. What’s clear is that research is still catching up with public interest.
So, what do we actually know about cannabis, its components, and its potential role in cancer care?
What is cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant that has been used for thousands of years, both recreationally and medicinally. The resin it produces contains cannabinoids, chemical compounds that can interact with the human body.
Two of the main cannabinoids are:
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the compound that causes a “high.”
- Cannabidiol (CBD) - which doesn’t cause a high and is legal in the UK when sold without THC.
The human body naturally produces its own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids, which help regulate processes such as appetite, mood and pain. This system is complex and continues to be studied, including how it may relate to certain diseases, cancer among them.
The legal status in the UK
Cannabis remains a Class B drug under UK law, meaning it’s illegal to possess or supply it. However, several prescribed medicines derived from cannabis are approved for use in the NHS, including:
- Nabilone, used to help control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
- Epidyolex, used to treat certain types of severe epilepsy.
These are highly regulated medicines, prescribed only when other treatments haven’t worked.
CBD products, such as oils, drops, or gummies, are legal to buy in the UK if they contain no THC and are marketed as food supplements. They cannot legally claim to treat or prevent disease.
What about cannabis oil?
Cannabis oil products vary widely. Some contain only CBD, while others, often sold illegally, include THC. Pure CBD oil is legal to buy as a food supplement in the UK, but products sold online or in shops are not medicines and are not regulated for quality or content.
People living with cancer sometimes explore CBD oil to help with pain, anxiety or sleep. However, claims that CBD or cannabis oil can cure or shrink cancer are not supported by scientific evidence.
If a patient wishes to try CBD, they should always speak to their GP, pharmacist or cancer care team first - especially as CBD can interact with other prescribed medicines.
Cannabis and cancer: what the evidence shows
Researchers around the world have been studying cannabinoids and their potential role in cancer treatment. The results have been mixed and mostly early stage.
Some laboratory studies show that cannabinoids can:
- Trigger cancer cells to die (a process called apoptosis).
- Slow the growth of certain cancer cells.
- Prevent tumours from forming new blood vessels.
However, other studies have found that cannabinoids can:
- Damage healthy blood vessels.
- Sometimes promote cancer cell growth under certain conditions.
It’s also important to note that most of this research has been done in cells in the lab or in animals, not in people. What works in a petri dish doesn’t always translate into safe or effective treatments for patients.
As of 2025, there is no reliable clinical evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids can treat or cure cancer in humans.
What the research is exploring
Recent trials are beginning to look at cannabinoids in controlled, medical settings. These studies focus mainly on symptom control or exploring whether cannabinoids can be safely combined with standard treatment - not on replacing proven therapies.
Medicinal cannabis for symptom control in advanced cancer (2025)
A randomised, double-blind clinical trial tested a cannabis oil against placebo in patients with advanced cancer. The trial found no difference in overall symptom distress, though some patients reported a small reduction in pain. However, this came with higher rates of side effects such as dizziness and fatigue, highlighting the need for further research into safe dosing.
(Hardy et al., 2025).
The ARISTOCRAT trial – UK, ongoing
The ARISTOCRAT trial, led by the University of Leeds and the University of Birmingham, is testing nabiximols (Sativex), a balanced THC:CBD oral spray, alongside standard chemotherapy for people with recurrent glioblastoma. Early data suggests the treatment is well tolerated. The study aims to understand whether adding cannabinoids could improve survival.
(University of Leeds, 2021; The Brain Tumour Charity, 2023; BMC Cancer trial protocol, University of Birmingham, 2023)
Together, these studies show that research is progressing, but there is still no clear evidence that cannabinoids improve cancer outcomes.
What we still need to understand
There are still important questions to answer:
- Which cannabinoids (natural or synthetic) might be most effective?
- What doses are safe and meaningful?
- Which cancer types, if any, might respond?
- How do cannabinoids interact with existing treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy?
Until large, well-controlled clinical trials can answer these questions, cannabis cannot be recommended as a cancer treatment.
The bottom line
There’s currently no reliable evidence that cannabis or cannabis oil can treat or cure cancer.
Some cannabinoids may help manage symptoms such as pain, sickness or appetite loss, but always under clinical supervision.
For anyone considering CBD or cannabis-based products, the safest step is to talk to a GP or oncology specialist first. They can help review what’s evidence-based, what’s safe, and what may interfere with ongoing treatment.
Because every informed choice, and every early conversation,gives patients back control, confidence and clarity.
References
Hardy JR, Greer RM, Pelecanos A, et al. (2025). Medicinal cannabis for symptom control in advanced cancer: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial of 1:1 tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Supportive Care in Cancer. DOI: 10.1007/s00520-025-09763-5
University of Leeds (2021). World-first trial tests cannabis-based drug on aggressive brain tumours. Leeds.ac.uk
The Brain Tumour Charity (2023). ARISTOCRAT: a pioneering trial using a cannabinoid-based drug to treat brain tumours. thebraintumourcharity.org
University of Birmingham (2023). A randomised phase II trial of temozolomide with or without cannabinoids in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (ARISTOCRAT). BMC Cancer protocol. birmingham.ac.uk
Cancer Research UK (2023). Cannabinoids and cancer: what we know. news.cancerresearchuk.org
Winter Fatigue Or Something More?
Feeling more tired than usual as winter sets in is common. Shorter days, colder weather, and the rush of everyday life can leave anyone feeling run down. But sometimes, what feels like normal winter fatigue can be something more, and knowing when to check in with your GP can make all the difference.
Why fatigue is common in winter
As daylight hours shorten, many of us feel our energy dip. Lower vitamin D, changes in sleep patterns, and spending more time indoors can all affect how we feel. For most people, this tiredness passes with rest, daylight, and better routines.
But ongoing fatigue, especially when it’s new, persistent, or hard to explain, deserves attention.
When tiredness might signal something else
Tiredness is one of the most common symptoms GPs see, and it can have many causes: stress, anaemia, thyroid issues, infections, or low mood. Occasionally, it can also be an early sign of something more serious, including some cancers.
That doesn’t mean it usually is, but listening to your body and noticing changes early matters.
It’s a good idea to speak to your GP if:
- You feel unusually tired for more than a few weeks.
- You’ve noticed other changes - like weight loss, persistent pain, bloating, or changes in your appetite.
- Your tiredness is getting worse, or affecting your ability to do daily activities.
- Something just doesn’t feel right.
Trust your instinct.
What your GP can do
Your GP is there to help you figure out what’s behind your symptoms. They may:
- Ask questions about your lifestyle, sleep, or stress levels.
- Arrange simple blood tests to check for common causes like anaemia or thyroid issues.
- Discuss whether further investigations or referrals are needed.
Early conversations mean early answers. And if something more serious is found, early detection gives people more time, more choice, and more life.
Taking care of yourself this winter
There are small things you can do that help boost your energy and protect your health:
- Try to get outside for natural light every day, even briefly.
- Keep hydrated and eat regularly - skipping meals can make tiredness worse.
- Move your body in ways that feel good.
- Prioritise rest - recovery is part of productivity.
- Notice changes and speak up early.
The takeaway
Feeling tired in winter is normal. But if the tiredness lingers, feels different, or comes with other changes, don’t ignore it. Checking in early can make a real difference, and sometimes, it can even save a life.
Because when it comes to health, time matters.
Early conversations lead to earlier answers, and earlier answers give people back control, confidence, and choice.