Oncology
AKT High-Yield Breakdown
Oncology in the AKT is primarily about recognition, referral, and supportive care in primary care. You need to know the 2-week-wait (2WW) referral criteria for every major cancer site (NICE NG12), understand national screening programmes, recognise oncological emergencies, and manage palliative care needs. The exam rarely tests detailed chemotherapy — it tests the GP's gatekeeper role.
What You'll Learn
Master 2-week-wait referral criteria for all major cancers, national screening programmes, oncological emergencies (cord compression, SVC obstruction, neutropenic sepsis), and palliative care essentials.
Practise Oncology MCQs
From 2-week-wait referral thresholds and cancer screening programmes to oncological emergencies (SVC syndrome, spinal cord compression, hypercalcaemia), palliative care principles, and BRCA risk management — tackle focused MCQs across the full Oncology curriculum.
2-Week-Wait Referral Criteria (NICE NG12) — Very High Yield
NICE NG12 (Suspected Cancer: Recognition and Referral) is one of the most heavily tested guidelines in the AKT. You must know the key referral thresholds for common cancers.
Lung Cancer
- 2WW if:
- • Chest X-ray suggestive of lung cancer
- Urgent CXR (within 2 weeks) if aged ≥40 with:
- • Unexplained haemoptysis
- Consider urgent CXR if aged ≥40 with 2+ of:
- • Persistent cough
- • Fatigue
- • Shortness of breath
- • Chest pain
- • Weight loss
- • Appetite loss
- Also consider CXR if: finger clubbing, persistent or recurrent chest infection, lymphadenopathy, thrombocytosis
Colorectal Cancer
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