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Prevention and Diagnosis

InstaDiag: Speeding Up Diagnosis to Better Guide Patients

When faced with a suspicious finding, waiting for tests and results can be a source of anxiety[1,2]. 

The InstaDiag rapid diagnosis program, developed by Gustave Roussy, offers streamlined care pathways coordinated by specialized teams, with tests scheduled—as much as possible—on the same day. 

The goal is to streamline the consultations and tests needed to reach a diagnosis, in order to reduce wait times and quickly inform patients about the next steps in their care.

Instadaig logo

What is InstaDiag?

Launched in 2004 with an initial focus on breast cancer, the InstaDiag program has gradually expanded to include other types of cancer. 

Depending on the specific needs of each patient and each condition, InstaDiag can coordinate specialized consultations, imaging tests, a biopsy—that is, the removal of a tissue sample—and a review of the medical record by several professionals.

Depending on the care pathway, some diagnoses can be provided within a day, while others require several days. However, turnaround times remain significantly shorter than those of a standard diagnostic process. 

  • 2024

    Development of the first one-day diagnostic pathway focused on suspicious breast abnormalities.

  • 87%

    In a study involving more than 10,000 patients, an accurate diagnosis was provided on the same day for 87% of breast lesions presenting as a mass[3].

  • 6.3 days

    Average time between initial intake and the multidisciplinary consultation meeting in the InstaDiag liver-pancreas pilot study, compared with 29.3 days in a standard care pathway[4].

  • A case reviewed in advance: the available documents make it possible to verify that the individual’s history matches the situation.

  • Coordinated care: Necessary appointments and procedures are scheduled promptly and combined whenever possible.

  • Multidisciplinary expertise: The case can be reviewed by several specialists.

  • A quick orientation: If a patient is diagnosed with cancer, they are informed of the diagnosis and the next steps in their care pathway: monitoring, additional tests, or treatment.

The InstaDiag Pathways

  • Breast

    For a suspicious breast abnormality detected during a clinical examination or on imaging (since 2004).

  • Thyroid

    To determine the nature of one or more nodules (since 2008).

  • Lung

    Following the detection of an abnormal chest X-ray (since 2022, in collaboration with Saint-Joseph and Marie-Lannelongue Hospitals, as part of the International Center for Thoracic Cancers—CICT).  

  • Liver

    In the event of a suspected tumor or a recent diagnosis of a tumor (since 2024).

  • Pancreas

    In cases of a suspected or recently diagnosed tumor (since 2024).

  • Gynecology

    If there is an abnormal result regarding the cervix, vulva, endometrium, or ovaries (effective 2024).

  • Skin

    In cases where a cancerous lesion is suspected and diagnosed by a community physician (effective 2025).

Who is InstaDiag intended for?

InstaDiag is intended for individuals in whom a clinical examination, laboratory test, or imaging study has revealed a suspicious abnormality. For certain care pathways, it may also apply to patients who have recently received a diagnosis.

InstaDiag is used after an abnormality has been detected; it does not replace screening programs. Access procedures vary depending on the care pathway. The request can be made by the patient or their doctor. Available reports, images, and results must generally be submitted in order to schedule appointments.

Testimonial

“I was able to take advantage of this new program in June 2004. Within a few hours, I underwent all the tests and exams that led to a preliminary conclusion—since we still had to wait for the biopsy results, which weren’t available the same day back then—but one that left no room for doubt,” recalls Suzanne, one of the first patients to benefit from the one-day diagnosis in June 2004. “A few days later, my primary care physician received confirmation of the result along with a treatment plan and a surgery date. I had surgery on August 13.” 

Find the right program

The process for accessing care varies by location: admission criteria, required documents, and steps to schedule an appointment. The primary care physician or specialist who ordered the initial tests can also help determine the appropriate course of action.

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Bibliography

[1] Boinon D, Dauchy S, Charles C, et al. Patient satisfaction with a rapid diagnosis of suspicious breast lesions: Association with distress and anxiety. The Breast Journal. 2018;24(2):154-160. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[2] Brocken P, Prins JB, Dekhuijzen PNR, van der Heijden HFM. The faster the better? A systematic review on distress in the diagnostic phase of suspected cancer, and the influence of rapid diagnostic pathways. Psycho-Oncology. 2012;21(1):1-10.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[3] Delaloge S, Bonastre J, Borget I, et al. The challenge of rapid diagnosis in oncology: Diagnostic accuracy and cost analysis of a large-scale one-stop breast clinic. European Journal of Cancer. 2016;66:131-137. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[4] ONCORIF. Rapid Diagnosis in Oncology. Results of trials conducted as part of the National Cancer Institute’s research. June 2026. https://www.oncorif.fr