About your Fast-Track Suspected Cancer Referral
This information is provided by the NHS Northern Cancer Alliance
Why am I being referred?
You are being referred so your symptoms can be looked at by a specialist as soon as possible. This is so that your illness can be diagnosed and treated quickly and effectively.
Whilst this does include the possibility of cancer, the majority of people referred in this way do not have cancer.
The signs and symptoms you have may be caused by a number of common conditions but it is important that the hospital know about your GP’s concerns in order to fully investigate your condition.
What does a fast-track referral mean?
A fast-track referral usually means that you will be offered an appointment with a hospital specialist within 28 days of your General Practitioner (GP) making the referral.
Please make sure we have the correct contact details for you to make sure you don’t miss important information about your referral appointments.
It is important to remember that even though you are being referred urgently, this DOES NOT necessarily mean that you have cancer.
How do I make my appointment?
Details of your referral appointment will either come directly from us, or you will receive a phone call or letter from the hospital.
Please make sure we have the best contact details for you. You can also let us know if you have any communications needs.
If you do not get a call or appointment within one week, please contact the hospital by telephone on 01912824444 or via email at nuth.ABC@nhs.net.
How do I get to hospital?
It is very important that you attend your appointment. If you can’t make it, contact the hospital on 01912824444 or via nuth.ABC@nhs.net as soon as you can to rearrange it.
If you cannot use public transport, drive or arrange your own transport, you may be able to use the ambulance service. Please speak to a member of the Reception team as soon as possible if ambulance transport is required.
What if I can not make the appointment I am offered?
Your GP believes that your symptoms need to be investigated as soon as possible, so it is important that you are flexible when arranging this appointment.
You should make every effort to attend the 1st appointment you are given.
If you cancel an arranged appointment or do not attend your appointment, the hospital will do its best to ensure you are seen as soon as possible, but your wait time may increase.
What will happen at my appointment?
Details on what will happen at your first appointment and any tests you might need will usually be sent with your appointment confirmation. For many people, the first contact from the hospital might be by telephone. The team will discuss your referral, and you may be offered a test as your first appointment.
In some cases, the specialist team will review your case, and no tests will be needed.
To help your specialist understand the cause of your symptoms, you may need some tests.
The required tests could be:
• Before you see your specialist
• During your first specialist appointment
• Arranged by the specialist after your first appointment.
You may find it useful to write down any questions you want to ask during your appointment. The specialist team will give you a lot of information, and many people find it useful to take a friend or relative along with them for support.