Early Cancer Diagnosis
Managing early cancer diagnosis and supporting with keeping on top of your health
What is cancer?
Have you been referred for an urgent appointment?
Read our information poster below for guidance during your referral.
Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs.
1 in 2 people may develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. According to the NHS, In the UK, the 4 most common types of cancer are:
There are more than 200 different types of cancer, and each is diagnosed and treated in a particular way. Catching signs of cancers as early as possible is important to treating the condition - the earlier the symptoms are checked, the quicker you can be treated.
Want to speak to someone?
You can contact our Cancer Care Co-ordinator, if you have been referred on a two week wait referral pathway and you’d like some extra advice.
Email: swhealthcare.2wwqueriesmalvernpcn@nhs.net
Phone: 01905 917353 Monday - Friday 8.00am - 16.00pm
About Cancer
One in three people will be affected by cancer at some stage in their life. There are many different types of cancer, each requiring different approaches and methods of treatment - so the advice that’s right for you will be determined by your GP and your specialists.
However, general information can be found at the NHS website - and more information on organisations who support those with cancer can be found below.
Cancer Care Map
Cancer Care Map is a simple, online resource that aims to help you find cancer support services in your local area wherever you are in the UK. Cancer Care Map is run by The Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund charity.
Signs & Symptoms of Cancer
It’s unlikely that the symptoms you suffer from are signs of cancer, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any symptoms of a potential cancer, please speak to your GP to get them checked.
Click the button below to visit the NHS website, where you can see potential signs of many different cancers. If you suffer from any of the symptoms, contact your GP for an assessment.
Bowel Cancer Screening - FIT Test
A FIT Test is a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) to detect small traces of blood within poo that could be a sign of cancer. The kit is sent by post every 2 years to those aged 60 to 74 years.
If you are within this age range and have not yet received your kit, please call 0800 707 60 60. Over the next few years, the minimum age is gradually being reduced to 50 so you may receive the kit earlier. You can also call to request a kit if you are aged 75 or over and wish to continue to take part in screening but you will not be sent one automatically.
If you’d like to find out how to carry out your FIT at home, please watch the useful NHS video opposite.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK are an independent charity in the UK. They are the world's leading independent cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information.
Their Cancer Help website offers a range of tools to support patients with cancer, and their YouTube channel is full of videos with helpful guidance for patients and their families alike.
They have created a useful leaflet about urgent referrals, which provides heaps of advice on your journey to recovery. Click the button below to access this leaflet.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support are Europe's leading cancer information charity, with over 4,500 pages of up-to-date cancer information, practical advice and support for cancer patients, their families and carers.
Their YouTube channel also contains a huge range of resources, including the video below.
Visit their website for more information on how Macmillan can support you and your loved ones.