If a GP or dental practitioner (DP) suspects you may have cancer, there is a ‘fast-
track’ route through which they are able to refer you directly to the hospital within a two-week time frame.
Early diagnosis of a disease may mean more effective treatment and better outcomes. This is because many serious illnesses are more likely to be cured if they are treated early.
Over recent years, approximately 970 of 7,500 patients referred to Blackpool Victoria Hospital were diagnosed and treated for a new primary cancer. The great majority of people referred this way do not have cancer, but it is important to see a Specialist as soon as possible to confirm or exclude a cancer diagnosis.
For further information on the two week wait service please use the drop-down menus below to see answers to common questions.
To rule out the possibility of cancer.
The hospital will contact you to arrange a mutually agreed time and date within 14 days of the receipt of referral from the GP.
The appointment may be rearranged to a more appropriate time and date, however, the hospital will emphasise the fact that the referral has been deemed GP fast track and thus it is extremely important for specialist outpatient appointments and possible diagnostic tests to be arranged as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of cancer.
It is likely you will be given further information about further tests and what they entail.
You will be referred back to your GP or given a follow-up, routine appointment.
Depending upon the outcome of your tests, the treatment options will be discussed in detail with you possibly in the presence of a specialist cancer nurse. This is likely to involve the pros and cons of which each treatment you may be suitable for. It may also involve referral to a further specialist, possibly an oncologist or surgeon.
Once a treatment plan has been agreed with you, dependant on what this is, treatment is likely to start in a matter of weeks.
