3 May 2019

ACE PROGRAMME (WAVE 2): Key messages from the evaluation of MDCs

ACE PROGRAMME (WAVE 2): Key messages from the evaluation of Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Centres (MDC)
Cancer Research UK May 2019
  • This summary report highlights the key findings from the five MDC projects and draws together the learning gained from their implementation. It also includes the most recent data on patient characteristics, cancer yield, and pathway activity.
  • Headline findings from the MDC evaluation currently suggest that the MDC model: 
    • has value as a cancer diagnostic pathway for patients presenting with non-specific but concerning symptoms
    • is diagnosing a broad range of cancer types, including rare and less common cancers
    • should be considered as an approach to achieving earlier diagnoses of cancer for patients presenting with non-specific symptoms, given the types of cancer being detected
    • provides a broad diagnostic approach encompassing a range of cancer and non-cancer conditions
    • provides a planned and rapid pathway for patients with complex presentation