What potential cancer symptoms should we consider ‘unexplained’?

British Journal of General Practice 2026 Open access

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Authors: stephen bradley, Jessica Watson, William Trevor Hamilton
DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2025.0433
Cited by: 0
References: 18

Abstract

What potential cancer symptoms should we consider 'unexplained'?Stephen H Bradley, Jessica Watson and William T Hamilton Within referral guidelines for suspected cancer, recommendations for further investigation or referral (henceforth simplified to 'investigation') frequently depend on whether symptoms are 'unexplained'.In its guidance the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines 'unexplained' as:

Fields of Study & Subjects

Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Primary Care and Health Outcomes

Publication details

Journal / source
British Journal of General Practice
Volume
76
Issue
763
Pages
85–89
Publication date
30 January 2026
Language
EN