Cancer Referrals

 

Please attend the first appointment you are given.

If you cannot make your appointment, contact the hospital as soon as possible so a new one can be arranged. Do not wait — please act quickly.

Why have I been referred to hospital?

We understand this news may feel worrying. Your doctor or nurse has referred you urgently because they feel you may be at risk of cancer and your symptoms need more tests to find out what is causing them. You can expect to be seen quickly.

Does this mean I have cancer?

There are many conditions that your symptoms could be linked to, including the possibility of cancer. Most people who are referred urgently do not have cancer.

Attending your appointment

If cancer is found, making the diagnosis early means treatment is more likely to work well. This is why it is important that you are seen urgently. You should receive a diagnosis within four weeks.

What we need from you

Please check the following and let us know if anything needs updating:

  • Your contact details. Make sure we have your correct address and phone number, including a mobile number if you have one. The hospital may contact you by phone to arrange your appointment.
  • If you cannot take phone calls. Please tell us and we will let the hospital know so they can contact you in another way.
  • If you need an interpreter. Please tell us and we will arrange this with the hospital before your appointment.
  • If you cannot attend appointments in the next four weeks. Please tell us as soon as possible so we can inform the hospital.

What happens next?

The hospital will contact you within two weeks to arrange your appointment or next steps. Please make sure your contact details are up to date.

You may also receive information about any tests that have been arranged for you.

If you have not heard within two weeks

Please contact the hospital directly using the numbers below:

  • University Hospitals Sussex: 01273 446067
  • Portsmouth University Hospital: 02392 681700

If you have difficulty contacting the hospital, or are unsure where your referral has been sent, please contact the surgery and we will do our best to help.

If your symptoms get worse or change before your appointment, please contact the surgery urgently.

Getting to your appointment

If you cannot drive or arrange your own transport, and public transport is difficult for you, you may be able to use hospital transport. When the hospital contacts you about your appointment, let them know and they can advise whether this is available to you.

At your appointment

It can help to write down any questions you want to ask before you go. When the hospital contacts you, you can ask whether you are able to bring a friend or family member with you.

Further information

This letter is available in other languages and Easy Read.
Ask your GP practice for a copy, or visit the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance website

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