A pilot programme in Utrecht is looking into the benefits of having GPs involved in the cancer treatment of their patients.

According to the NRC, the pilot involves three hospitals, 250 GPs and 10 cancer specialists. They have been running the pilot since the beginning of May with the aim of improving cancer care in the Utrecht region.

At the moment, patients suspected of having cancer are referred by their GP to specialists for tests and treatment. But specialists do not know the patients and have little knowledge of their social environment. This leaves little room for ‘social questions’ such as whether the patient wants to continue working during treatment and how the family is coping.

The pilot project, an initiative from patients’ organisation Living with cancer and the university medical centre Utrecht, will see 75 cancer patients treated in the usual manner and 75 patients sent back to their GP after diagnosis where they will be able to discuss their options with their own doctor. During their treatment, their GP will act as a guide and point of contact.

If the pilot is a success, Living with cancer hopes it will lead to better cancer care throughout the Netherlands.

The project is supported by the participating hospitals and doctors and by various commercial company funds.