Cancer Patient Information - Barking Havering and Redbridge ...

Why have I been referred to hospital?Your General Practitioner (GP) or Dentist has asked for youto have an urgent hospital appointment within two weeks.The “two week” appointment system was introduced so thata specialist would see any patient with symptoms thatmight indicate cancer as quickly as possible.Does this mean I have cancer?No it doesn’t. The majority of patients referred under the“two week” appointment system do not have cancer, but asimple or benign condition.So why has my GP referred me?GPs diagnose and treat many illnesses themselves.However, on occasion they need to arrange for you to seea specialist at the hospital. This could be for a number ofreasons, such as:• Your symptoms need further investigation• The treatment already prescribed has not beeneffective• Investigations your GP arranged have shown someabnormal results• To exclude serious diseaseWhat symptoms might need an urgent referral?Symptoms such as:• A one-sided lump that does not go away• A change in the size, shape or colour of a mole• Abnormal bleeding, e.g. rectal bleeding• A change in bowel or bladder habits includingincreased frequency• Persistent tiredness and/or unexplained weight lossThere are national referral guidelines for your GP to use tomake a decision about whether it is appropriate to refer youfor an appointment within two weeks.Will I need any tests?You may require specialised tests; these may take placeeither before or during your first appointment at thehospital. This will help the specialist understand the causeof your symptoms.What do I need to do now?• Make sure that your GP has your correct addressand telephone number, including mobile number ifpossible.• The hospital will contact you by telephone to confirmyour appointment so the correct contact telephonenumber is very important.• Contact your GP surgery if you have not been calledby the hospital within one week of the appointmentwith your GP.• Ensure that you follow instructions and attend on thedate agreed.• At your first appointment, based on the informationfrom your GP and your consultation with the hospitalTwo week referral patient information leaflet NELCN 150305 CPMLeaflet produced [April 2006]Revised April 2009Revised May 2010

doctor, they will give you more information aboutwhat will happen next.• Please bring someone with you to this appointment– do not feel that you have to be alone.Contact detailsCRO Appointments (Line 1) 01708 435268CRO Appointments (Line 2) 01708 435170CRO Appointments (Line 3) 01708 435065CRO Appointments (Breast) 01708 435171Havering PCT 01708 465000Barking and Dagenham PCT 020 8591 9595Redbridge PCT 020 8478 5151It is important to remember thatan urgent 2 week wait referraldoes not necessarily mean thatyou have cancer.Why have I beenreferred urgentlyto the hospital?You can get more information about the “two week”appointment system and other information from thefollowing websites:(The urgent 2 week waitreferral system)www.nhsdirect.nhs.ukwww.nice.org.ukTwo week referral patient information leaflet NELCN 150305 CPMLeaflet produced [April 2006]Revised April 2009Revised May 2010