Hot Topics 2026: cancer red flags - from vague symptoms to earlier diagnosis

Cancer diagnosis remains one of the most challenging aspects of general practice, particularly when patients present with non-specific symptoms that overlap with common benign conditions. 

This Hot Topics session in conjunction with NB medical focuses on two important areas where early recognition can improve patient outcomes: multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer. Participants will explore contemporary approaches to identify patients at risk, selecting appropriate investigations and navigating referral pathways when cancer is suspected. 

Course Overview

The session will review emerging developments in the investigation of multiple myeloma, including the role of serum protein electrophoresis and free light chain testing, alongside practical approaches to distinguishing monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) from active disease. 

Participants will also receive an update on ovarian cancer, including symptom recognition, interpretation of CA125 results and evolving approaches to investigation in symptomatic women. The session will examine emerging evidence regarding age-specific testing thresholds, the limitations of CA125 as a diagnostic tool, and practical referral pathways that may support earlier cancer diagnosis in primary care. 

In addition to these cancer-focused updates, the session will include a selection of practical short cases and prescribing updates relevant to everyday general practice, providing clinicians with evidence-based strategies that can be readily applied in clinical care. 

Through expert-led discussion and case-based learning, participants will gain practical insights to support earlier diagnosis, safer prescribing and improved patient management in primary care. 

Participants can further consolidate their learning by completing an optional ovarian cancer mini audit following the webinar, examining the assessment and investigation of women presenting with persistent symptoms that may be suggestive of ovarian cancer. By reviewing investigation pathways, use of CA125 testing, referral practices and safety-netting arrangements within their own practice, participants will have the opportunity to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to support earlier diagnosis. 

Combined with the webinar and mini audit, earn up to 5 hours of CPD, comprising 2 hours Educational Activity (EA), 0.5 hours Reviewing Performance (RP) and 2.5 hours Measuring Outcomes (MO).