Experience of the UGI USCR pathway where no cancer is found v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding patient experiences after an urgent referral to the upper gastrointestinal suspected cancer pathway where no cancer is found.
IRAS ID
367497
Contact name
Jessica Bollen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
In England, the Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral (USCR) pathway was implemented to facilitate earlier cancer diagnosis. While all patients who are referred have symptoms suggestive of cancer, most people will not get diagnosed with it at that time. Within the upper GI pathway, over 96% of people come away without a cancer diagnosis. We currently know very little about what happens to these patients after cancer is ruled out, especially if their symptoms continue.
This study therefore aims to understand the experiences of people who were urgently referred by their GP for possible upper gastrointestinal (upper GI) cancer but were not diagnosed with cancer as a result.
This study aims to understand how patients experience this pathway, including:
• How well the process and results are explained
• The emotional impact of being tested for cancer
• Whether the tests helped explain or resolve their symptoms
• What happens next in their care after discharge
The findings will help assess whether current services meet patient needs and inform future improvements, including new tools designed to prioritise patients based on cancer risk. We will recruit 20 adults (aged 18 and over) from an NHS Trust who were referred to the upper GI cancer pathway in the past six months but did not receive a cancer diagnosis.
Participants will take part in a one-to-one interview lasting around 60–90 minutes, either in person, online, or by phone. They will be asked about their experiences of referral, testing, and follow-up care. People with lived experience of this process helped shape this study to ensure it is relevant and meaningful.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
26/ES/0047
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion