GPs are being 'prevented' from sending patients directly for early diagnostic tests that would show brain cancer. Some of the CCGs - clinical commissioning groups - in England say only consultants can refer someone for a scan but that can mean a 3 month delay in reaching a diagnosis. The decision to restrict the role of GPs in sending patients for an early brain scan runs counter to a Department of Health push to improve cancer care. The DoH says GPs should be able to send patients directly for a brain scan.