Eleven Cancer Types Covered Under New Rapid Pathway

Figueres Hospital has launched a rapid cancer diagnosis programme (DRC) to streamline the detection of eleven types of tumours: breast, lung, gastro-oesophageal, pancreatic, colorectal, kidney, bladder, ovarian, uterine body and cervix, prostate, and skin/melanoma.

The initiative, coordinated by the Clinical Processes and Care Continuity Directorate of Fundació Salut Empordà (FSE), ensures patients with suspected cancer receive urgent diagnostic tests and begin treatment within 30 days where possible. The clinical pathway begins when a healthcare professional identifies suspicion in one of four settings: Primary and Community Care (APiC), hospital outpatient clinics, Sexual and Reproductive Health services (ASSIR), or the hospital’s Emergency Department.

“For this programme’s implementation, we reorganised internal operations, creating a dedicated team including a case manager and two nurses providing clinical support. We also have a lead doctor for each of the eleven specialties,”

said Dr Manel Vicente and Dr Carles Sabadell from FSE’s Clinical Processes and Care Continuity Directorate.

Two-Week Target for Initial Diagnosis

Once a referral is made, the patient’s request is sent automatically to the hospital’s case manager. Two nurses then assess whether the case meets standard inclusion criteria for the DRC. If eligible, patients are guaranteed an initial assessment and first diagnostic test, including results and report, within two weeks.

  • If cancer is confirmed, confirmatory tests begin immediately and treatment starts promptly.
  • If cancer is ruled out, the patient returns to Primary Care for further investigation of symptoms.

Since the programme began in December 2025 and up to June 2026, 222 cases were processed and closed out of 346 suspicions received. Breast and colorectal cancers were the most prevalent; skin/melanoma cases were least common.

Expanded Access Across Catalonia's Public Health System

The Catalan Health Service (CatSalut) rolled out the DRC model across the public health system as part of the Department of Health’s Oncology Strategic Plan. Originally launched in 2005 for colorectal, breast, and lung cancers, it expanded in 2007 to include bladder and prostate cancers. The current update adds six new tumour sites, improving territorial equity and response capacity for high-risk clinical suspicions.

Reported by revistabaixemporda.cat, Revista del Baix Empordà.