You may be looking at this page because you have been referred on an urgent suspected cancer pathway. You may have been referred to see a hospital doctor (specialist) or to have tests because your primary care clinician (doctor (GP), nurse, dentist, optician, or pharmacist) feels your symptoms need further investigation. This is to investigate your symptoms, find out what is wrong and if it could be cancer. You can expect to be seen quickly. Whilst this does include the possibility of cancer, most people referred in this way do not have cancer.
The signs and symptoms you have may be caused by a number of common illnesses, including suspected cancer. This is why this referral is urgent, and any appointments and tests will need to be completed within four weeks to give you an answer.
Does this mean I have cancer?
More than 9 out of 10 people who are referred in this way are found to not have cancer. However, for the small number of people who are, then the earlier this is found and treated the better the results can be. Do not delay – please give this priority and attend the first appointment offered.
Why have I been referred urgently to hospital?
You have been referred to see a hospital doctor (specialist) or to have tests because your primary care clinician (doctor (GP), nurse, dentist, optician, or pharmacist) feels your symptoms need further investigation. This is to investigate your symptoms, find out what is wrong and if it could be cancer. You can expect to be seen quickly. Whilst this does include the possibility of cancer, most people referred in this way do not have cancer. The signs and symptoms you have may be caused by a number of common illnesses, including suspected cancer. This is why this referral is urgent, and any appointments and tests will need to be completed within four weeks to give you an answer.
What will happen next?
Your referral will be sent to the hospital who will make the appointment for you. The hospital will contact you to arrange this. The hospital may also send you additional information relating to the appointment. This will include information about any medical tests you are likely to have on the day you attend.
What should I do now?
First: You should ensure that all your contact details, including mobile phone number and email address, are correct with your GP or dental practice. This appointment is important so you should do all you can to ensure you are available and can take the first appointment offered.
Then: You will get a letter or telephone call about your appointment.
If, within ten days you have not heard from the hospital, please call the booking team at the relevant contact number below:
- James Paget University Hospitals – 01493 452135
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals – 01603 286607
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Trust – 01553 613626
What will happen at the hospital?
When you have your hospital appointment you will usually see a specialist/consultant and have medical tests (e.g., a scan or x-ray etc.). You will be told in advance if you need to have any tests during your appointment, so please ensure you follow any instructions you are given. The medical tests are very important to your outcome/diagnosis, so please make sure you are available to attend any appointments needed at short notice.
You are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you, as it may be helpful if you have concerns, or questions about what the medical team will discuss with you.
Any questions?
If you have any concerns or questions regarding your referral to hospital, you can call the number given above. Alternatively, if you have concerns regarding your symptoms, please contact the person who referred you e.g., your GP, nurse, dentist, optician or pharmacist.
The way the NHS measures how long it will take from your referral to when you have your first appointment has recently changed. We used to measure the time it took from your referral to your first appointment, but now we are measuring the time between when you are referred to when you get the outcomes of any tests.
More Information and Support
- You can find additional information about urgent suspected cancer referrals on the Cancer Research UK website.
- You can find support and information from the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support website.