What is Cancer?
Cancer is when cells in a part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. Cancer cells can invade and destroy healthy tissue around them. This can affect organs like the brain or liver.
There are more than 200 different types of cancer. They are diagnosed and treated in different ways. Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other areas.
It can take several weeks to diagnose cancer accurately. Many common cancer symptoms have other possible causes. Most people who have tests do not have cancer.
Cancer survival rates in England are higher than they have ever been. Finding cancer earlier usually leads to better outcomes. This is why it is important to act quickly. You should always attend hospital appointments for tests when invited.
Suspected Cancer Referral (fast track)
When your GP suspects you might have cancer they will refer you to a specialist doctor at the hospital for further tests. This is called a fast track referral. The hospital will contact you by telephone to book an appointment with a consultant, or for any tests that need to be done first. It is very important that you attend your appointment at the hospital.
It might not be cancer that is causing your symptoms, but it is vital that we can either diagnose cancer or rule it out as quickly as possible. For more information about the process, and for contact details of the local hospitals, please visit our fast track referrals page.
What is Cancer?
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