GETTING A DIAGNOSIS
Waiting to find out what the cause of your symptoms is can feel slow and filled with anxiety...
Here is a guide to help you understand what to expect and what the process is.
WAITING FOR ANSWERS...
It can take time to get a reason for your symptoms.
Waiting for a diagnosis can be frustrating, slow and at times anxiety-inducing.
Going to appointments prepared can help the process. Keep a diary of symptoms, a timeline of events. Feel free to ask questions, take someone with you to appointments and keep a record of any results you get.
The more information you can provide your GP/specialist the easier it is for them to work through your symptoms to finding a diagnosis.
FIRST STOP GP
The first place to visit is your GP. They have the ability to arrange simple tests (such as blood tests) and arrange some hospital scans without the need for a hospital referral.
Sometimes the GP might adopt a 'watch and wait' approach. Sometimes it takes time for a disease to 'present itself' fully. Keeping a diary of symptoms can help.
If you feel you are struggling, you can ask for a second opinion, or try using our ICE toolkit.
HOSPITAL REFERRALS
The GP will know when they need to refer you to the hospital to see a specialist. A specialist consultant is a doctor who has focused on one area of medicine (such as the heart, cardiology).
How soon you see a hospital specialist depends on the urgency of your symptoms. If things get worse whilst waiting for your appointment, the GP can write to the hospital to change the urgency of your referral.
Patient's can also have a choice in which hospital they are referred to.
At every stage you should be provided with information and be involved in discussions about treatment options.
Informed consent means you fully understand all treatment options available, the risks and benefits. Sometimes it is OK to ask politely for a second opinion or to see a different specialist. Take someone with you to hospital appointments, feel free to take notes and ask questions.
We have a guide to the different specialists in our resources section.
What is a 2 WEEK WAIT?
A 2 week wait referral does not mean you have cancer.
Sometimes symptoms or signs can be suspicious of cancer and it is always best to rule out the worst, and so GP's would rather check.
This can be alarming for some patients, but remember that this is a fast track system designed to ensure the serious things are ruled in/out quickly. Many people referred on the 2 week wait are reassured, being referred via this pathway does not automatically mean you have cancer.
We have a more thorough guide on the 2 week wait pathway in our resources section..
OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP
INVESTIGATIONS
A guide to explain what the different types of scans are for, what they are looking for and what to expect.
NHS VS PRIVATE
A guide to explain the differences between the NHS and private healthcare. Independently presented to provide a balanced view to allow you to make the decision that is right for you.
Next toolkit...NEWLY DIAGNOSED...
When given a diagnosis patients are often left wondering...what next? Where to start and what does it mean? Our next guide helps provide answers to all those questions.
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