Ace the SCA Management 2WW Strategy

Escalate then De-escalate Strategy.

Escalate

Doctor: The symptoms you have described, John, with weight loss and the hard lump, are worrying, and in this case, it is important that we don’t miss out on a sinister cause like a cancer.

Patient: So you are saying cancer, I can’t believe it.

Reflect on patients’ feelings, acknowledge them, and then direct them to the next steps.

Doctor: I am sorry John I can see this is upsetting and I’m not saying it’s cancer for certain but it need to be assessed further and in order to do this we refer patients like yourself via the 2WW system so that you get seen as quickly as possible for scans and possibly biopsy by the specialists.
Patient: I’ll go to the appointment, I just didn’t think this could be cancer, I’m just shocked, doctor

De-escalate

Doctor: John, please understand that the majority of patients we send via the 2WW system do not end up being diagnosed with cancer, and those that are diagnosed, it means treatment can finally be started. I hope that gives you some reassurance.
Patient: Yes I see your point

Safetynet

Doctor: if you have not received your 2WW appointment within 2 weeks please get in touch with us so that we can help chase it for you.