What does suspected cancer referral mean?
What does suspected cancer referral mean?
What is an urgent suspected cancer referral? Your GP, nurse or dentist has arranged for you to have tests or see a hospital doctor (specialist). This is to investigate your symptoms, find out what is wrong and if it could be cancer.
What is suspected cancer pathway?
The Oxford Suspected Cancer (SCAN) Pathway aims to reduce the time that patients who have vague symptoms that could be cancer wait to be diagnosed. In doing this, we also aim to increase the number of patients that are diagnosed at an early stage in their illness.
What is the 2 week cancer referral?
What is a ‘Two Week Wait’ referral? A ‘Two Week Wait’ referral is a request from your General Practitioner (GP) to ask the hospital for an urgent appointment for you, because you have symptoms that might indicate that you have cancer.
Does an urgent referral mean I have cancer?
Does this mean I have cancer? It is normal to worry when you are urgently referred to see a specialist by your GP. However, more than 9 in every 10 people (90%) referred this way will not be diagnosed with cancer.
What do doctors do if they suspect cancer?
The doctor may start by asking about your personal and family medical history and do a physical exam. The doctor also may order lab tests, imaging tests (scans), or other tests or procedures. You may also need a biopsy, which is often the only way to tell for sure if you have cancer.
What is classed as an urgent referral?
An urgent referral means that the patient will be offered an appointment at a hospital within two weeks. It is important when sending a referral letter that it is marked clearly as urgent or non-urgent.
How long does an urgent referral take in Scotland?
The referral timelines used in the guidelines include: urgent suspicion of cancer: Patients referred via the urgent suspected cancer pathway should receive first treatment within 62 days of receipt of referral. These referrals will be prioritised and tracked. emergency referral: to be seen on the same day.
How long does an urgent referral take Scotland?
Will a GP tell you if they suspect cancer?
You should see your GP if you notice something that isn’t normal for you or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of cancer. They examine you and might refer you for tests or to a specialist. It’s unlikely that your GP will suspect that you have cancer of unknown primary (CUP) at this stage.
When are you referred to oncology?
You will likely be referred to an oncologist if your doctor suspects that you have the disease. Your primary care physician may carry out tests to determine if you might have cancer. If there are any signs of cancer, your doctor may recommend visiting an oncologist as soon as possible.
How long does a referral take in the NHS Scotland?
18 weeks
The current waiting times standards are: 18 weeks Referral to Treatment Standard. 12 weeks for new outpatient appointments.
What is a 2WW pathway?
Introduction Two-Week Wait (2WW) referral pathways including referral to treatment targets in NHS were introduced to shorten delays in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), and to improve overall survivals.
What will a doctor do if they suspect cancer?
Your doctor might take your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate). Depending on your symptoms, they may also do a general physical examination. They feel for any areas that might be swollen or might not feel normal. If you have any pain they will feel those areas.
What do doctors do when they suspect cancer?
When does an oncologist get involved UK?
There are waiting time targets to start treatment. In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland the current targets are: no more than 2 months (62 days) wait between the date the hospital receives an urgent referral for suspected cancer and the start of treatment.
How long should an urgent referral take in Scotland?
How long should an urgent NHS Referral take?
within 2 weeks
An urgent two-week referral means that you will be offered an appointment with a hospital specialist within 2 weeks of your General Practitioner (GP) making the referral.
Why am I being referred to an oncologist?
Generally speaking, you might see an oncologist if you talk to your primary care physician about a change in your body and they recommend you have some preliminary tests. You likely will be referred to an oncologist if your tests indicate you have cancer.
How long is an urgent referral NHS Scotland?
If you’re assessed as needing emergency treatment you will be seen within the 4 hour target window, 95% of people should be discharged or transferred within 4 hours.
When do you get referred to oncology?
Will a doctor tell you if they suspect cancer?
Doctors need the information about grade and stage to plan your treatment. It may take a few days before your doctor has the results of all the tests. They will then be able to tell you whether you have cancer, and talk with you about your treatment options.
How long does a cancer referral take?
no more than 2 months (62 days) wait between the date the hospital receives an urgent referral for suspected cancer and the start of treatment. no more than 31 days wait between the meeting at which you and your doctor agree the treatment plan and the start of treatment.
What are the guidelines for referral for suspected cancer?
However, for each tumour group the guidelines include information on key points about the pattern of the relevant cancer and guidelines for referral. urgent suspicion of cancer: Patients referred via the urgent suspected cancer pathway should receive first treatment within 62 days of receipt of referral.
What is the Scottish Government doing about cancer?
The Scottish Government’s Cancer Strategy ‘Beating Cancer: Ambition and Action’ was launched in March 2016. This strategy and accompanying £100 million commitment, serves as a blueprint for the future of cancer services in Scotland, improving the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of those affected by the disease.
Where can I find cancer screening guidelines for Scotland?
It can be found can be found on the Scottish Government website here. The aim of these guidelines is to facilitate appropriate referral between primary and secondary care for patients whom a GP suspects may have cancer.
Where can I find a quick reference guide for suspected cancer?
This Quick Reference Guide has been produced by the Scottish Primary Care Cancer Group with support from The Scottish Cancer Group and the Scottish Government. An electronic version is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/quickreferenceguide/suspectedcancer Unless otherwise stated, patients with a suspicion of cancer should be referred urgently.