A pilot scheme in mid Essex aimed at improving early diagnosis of cancer has been shortlisted for a national award.

The ‘vague symptoms’ trial, a collaboration between GP practices across mid Essex, including cancer specialists at Broomfield Hospital and Macmillan Cancer Support, is a finalist in the Improving Cancer Outcomes category of the Healthcare Transformation Awards 2017.

The pilot, which is being rolled out in the city of Chelmsford and the districts of Braintree and Maldon by Mid Essex CCG, is one of three projects shortlisted for the award.

Dr Elizabeth Towers, Macmillan GP for mid Essex, said: “Every year, over 300,000 new cancers are diagnosed in the UK across more than 200 different types of cancer.

“The best way of tackling and beating cancer is to help our GPs and patients recognise early signs of suspected cancer. Sometimes people go to see their GP with vague symptoms that may or may not be cancer.

“This pilot – one of three across the East of England – will provide a rapid route to diagnostic tests for patients with vague symptoms that are of a concern to a GP.

“We have around half of all 45 practices involved in the trial so far and early feedback and results are proving positive – we’re thrilled to be shortlisted for the work carried out so far.”

Jointly funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and the East of England Cancer Clinical Network, the vague symptoms pilot will continue until February 2018 and then outcomes evaluated.

Winners of all categories in the Healthcare Transformation Awards were announced during a ceremony on Wednesday night at the Crown Plaza, London Docklands.