Outcomes at rapid diagnostic centres and the association between non-specific symptoms and cancer: A systematic review and meta-analyses of up to 21,392 patients.
Cancer EpidemiolJul 15, 2026 (epub)
Nicolai Sørensen, Matylda Kubacz, Birgitte Sandfeld-Paulsen et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between non-specific symptoms (NSSs) and cancer in up to 21,392 patients diagnosed through rapid diagnostic centres. The study found that nausea/appetite loss had a statistically significant association with cancer (RR=1.20, 95%-CI 1.07-1.35), while other symptoms showed non-significant associations.
Key findings
- Nausea/appetite loss was significantly associated with cancer (RR=1.20, 95%-CI 1.07-1.35).
- Pain showed a non-significant association with cancer (RR=1.07, 95%-CI 0.75-1.53).
- Weight loss demonstrated a non-significant inverse trend (RR=0.92, 95%-CI 0.84-1.02).
- Fatigue showed no association with cancer (RR=1.00, 95%-CI 0.85-1.18).
Why it matters
Understanding the association between NSSs and cancer can aid clinicians in risk assessment and decision-making. However, the modest associations suggest that NSSs should be considered alongside other clinical factors.