Cancer occurs when cells in the body grow and reproduce in an uncontrolled way. These abnormal cells may invade nearby tissue or spread (metastasise).
At our practice, we support patients through the full journey, from early detection and referral, to treatment and post-treatment support.
Signs & symptoms to watch for
Early detection is vital. Cancer caught at an earlier stage is more likely to be treated successfully. If you notice any changes that are unusual for you, please book an appointment with us. These might include:
– A new lump or swelling anywhere on your body.
– Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, or persistent tiredness.
– Changes to your skin – for example a new mole, or a sore that does not heal.
– Altered bowel or bladder habits (e.g., blood in stools or urine, needing to go more often).
– Persistent cough, difficulty swallowing or hoarseness.
– Any bleeding that is unexplained, or unusual pain.
Important: Having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean cancer but it does mean you should get checked.
– A new lump or swelling anywhere on your body.
– Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, or persistent tiredness.
– Changes to your skin – for example a new mole, or a sore that does not heal.
– Altered bowel or bladder habits (e.g., blood in stools or urine, needing to go more often).
– Persistent cough, difficulty swallowing or hoarseness.
– Any bleeding that is unexplained, or unusual pain.
Important: Having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean cancer but it does mean you should get checked.
Reducing your risk
While cancer cannot always be prevented, there are positive steps you can take to reduce your risk:
– Attend screening when you are invited (e.g., breast, cervical, bowel).
– Don’t smoke, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, be physically active.
– Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure, check for changes in moles.
– Be aware of your family history and discuss with us if there’s a known increased risk.
– Attend screening when you are invited (e.g., breast, cervical, bowel).
– Don’t smoke, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, be physically active.
– Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure, check for changes in moles.
– Be aware of your family history and discuss with us if there’s a known increased risk.
What happens if we suspect cancer?
1. If you see us with symptoms we may refer you for urgent tests and specialist review.
2. In England there’s a target that people with suspected cancer will be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks from urgent referral.
3. Your care will be tailored to you: you will be offered involvement in decisions about your treatment, depending on your situation.
4. At each step we’ll support you, working with local hospital teams and cancer services.
2. In England there’s a target that people with suspected cancer will be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks from urgent referral.
3. Your care will be tailored to you: you will be offered involvement in decisions about your treatment, depending on your situation.
4. At each step we’ll support you, working with local hospital teams and cancer services.
Support at our GP practice and locally
We can act as your first port of call and continue to provide care and support when you are undergoing treatment.
We can refer you to local specialist services and support groups.
We can help with emotional, financial, practical issues alongside the medical care (e.g., work adjustments, welfare benefits, counselling).
If you are already diagnosed and receiving care, we can still review you, manage side-effects of treatment, monitor your general health and coordinate follow-up.
We can refer you to local specialist services and support groups.
We can help with emotional, financial, practical issues alongside the medical care (e.g., work adjustments, welfare benefits, counselling).
If you are already diagnosed and receiving care, we can still review you, manage side-effects of treatment, monitor your general health and coordinate follow-up.
Your rights & what to ask for
You have a right to be involved in decisions about your care, to receive appropriate information about your diagnosis, treatment options and side effects.
If you feel something isn’t right, e.g., you’re waiting too long for referral, speak to us or ask for more information.
You can ask for a second opinion if you’re uncertain about your treatment, although this is not always guaranteed.
If you feel something isn’t right, e.g., you’re waiting too long for referral, speak to us or ask for more information.
You can ask for a second opinion if you’re uncertain about your treatment, although this is not always guaranteed.
What to do now
If you have any of the symptoms listed above please call us and we will arrange an appointment.
If you are due for screening and haven’t booked it, please ask us or use the link from your invitation.
If you are living with, or recovering from, cancer and you’re unsure about follow-up or support, ask us for a review.
If you are due for screening and haven’t booked it, please ask us or use the link from your invitation.
If you are living with, or recovering from, cancer and you’re unsure about follow-up or support, ask us for a review.