Using artificial intelligence techniques for early diagnosis of lung cancer in general practice
Today, we’re speaking to Professor Martijn Schut, Professor of Translational AI in Laboratory Medicine and Professor Henk CPM van Weert, GP and Emeritus Professor of General Practice, both based at Amsterdam University Medical Center.Title of paper: Artificial intelligence for early detection of lung cancer in GPs’ clinical notes: a retrospective observational cohort studyAvailable at: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2023.0489In most cancers, the prognosis depends substantially on the stage at the start of therapy. Therefore, many methods have been developed to enhance earlier diagnosis, for example, logistic regression models, biomarkers, and electronic-nose technology (exhaled volatile organic compounds). However, as most patients are referred by their GP, who keeps life-long histories of enlisted patients, general practice files might contain hidden information that could be used for earlier case finding. An algorithm was developed to identify patients with lung cancer 4 months earlier, just by analysing their files. Contrary to other methods, all medical information available in general practice was used.
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20:10
‘See the symptom, not the pregnancy’- a look at cancer diagnosis during pregnancy
Today, we’re speaking to Dr Afrodita Marcu, a Research Fellow in Cancer Care at the University of Surrey.Title of paper: Symptom appraisal and help- seeking before a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy: a qualitative studyAvailable at: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2024.0208There is a gap in current understanding about the experiences of women diagnosed with cancer during or around pregnancy including how they appraise and seek help for cancer-related symptoms. This qualitative study found that women and healthcare professionals often interpreted symptoms through the lens of pregnancy, particularly when symptoms were vague. Health professionals need to ensure full assessment of symptoms, timely referral, and effective safety-netting for these women.
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Prescribing testosterone in hypoactive sexual desire disorder – how to initiate it, and how to monitor it in general practice
Today, we’re speaking to Dr Stephen Gibbons, Consultant Clinical Biochemist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Dr Clare Spencer, GP Partner and Menopause Specialist at the Meanwood Group Practice in Leeds.Title of paper: Optimising testosterone therapy in patients with hypoactive sexual desire disorderAvailable at: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X741321
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Looking back at the BJGP Research Conference 2025
Today, we’re going to do something a bit different and take a look back at the recent BJGP Research Conference, which was held on the 21st of March 2025 in Manchester. I’m going to discuss some of the highlights and really focus on what the conference is about and how to get involved in the future.Here are some of the links I discussed in the podcast:Linkshttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1609406918797475https://bjgplife.com/write-for-bjgp-life/
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The challenges to diagnosing vulval lichen sclerosus and how to get it right
Today, we’re speaking to Dr Louise Clarke, a GP and researcher based at the University of Nottingham.Title of paper: Barriers to diagnosing and treating vulval lichen sclerosus: a survey studyAvailable at: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2024.0360Previous research has identified a significant diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis of vulval lichen sclerosus (VLS), a condition most commonly presenting to primary care. Health care professionals (HCPs) in primary care share the concerns of women with VLS citing frequent misdiagnosis, embarrassment and lack of knowledge as barriers to diagnosis. In this survey, 92.6% of HCPs felt further education would be useful with 37.7% never having participated in learning on vulval skin disease, self-directed or otherwise. Key enablers identified to facilitate timely VLS diagnosis and treatment include: a comprehensive education programme for HCPs, implementation of standardised pathways of care and development of a VLS diagnostic criteria to be implemented in primary care workflow.
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The BJGP is a leading international journal of primary care with the aim to serve the primary care community. Whether you are a general practitioner or a nurse, a researcher, we publish a full range of research studies from RCTs to the best qualitative literature on primary care. In addition, we publish editorials, articles on the clinical practice, and in-depth analysis of the topics that matter. We are inclusive and determined to serve the primary care community.
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