Basing clinical decisions on instinct might run counter to evidence-based medicine, but a new study suggests GPs should trust their gut feelings more often – especially if they suspect cancer.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, UK researchers report that GPs’ gut feelings can be highly predictive of cancer and should be incorporated into clinical guidelines.

The University of Oxford-led team analysed a mix of 12 prospective cohort, cross-sectional and qualitative studies to determine the clinical utility of gut feelings for identifying cancer. 

These feelings were conceptualised as a rapid summing up of verbal and non-verbal patient cues – such as inconsistencies in their “normal” physical appearance or behaviour – but done in the context of the doctor’s clinical knowledge and experience.