Worried and waiting

I dont know where to start. I struggle to keep my weight the same (im not losing massive amounts a few pounds that i can put back on if i eat enough, but if i dont consitently eat lots of food i will a good few pounds a week, i also have a thyroid problem that should make me gain weight not lose it as well that ive just started medication for in the past couple of months so the weight is about to start coming off even more), bleeding and pain during sex and cramps (like period pains) on and off when im not on my period. When i went to the doctor about it they sent me for an urgent referal to the gynechology department, however, that was the start of november last year and i still have not recieved an appointment. Im only 24 and have extensive family history of cervical, ovarian, skin, breast, throat and womb cancer on both my mother and fathers sides of the family through my maternal grandmother and aunts and paternal grandmother, uncle and aunts) overall im jusy very worried and confused. My random period pains have been getting more frequent so I called to see what was happening but they just said wait times are long at the moment with no estimated time frame or date and the doctor flagged it again with another referall when i went for a blood test in the beginning of march when he heard id still not recieved an appointment but still nothing. I dont really know what to do or where to go from here, i guess im just looking for some advice? 

  • Hello there

    I am sorry to hear about the symptoms you are having and appreciate how having many family members diagnosed with cancer makes you more concerned about your own health.

    There can be many reasons for symptoms to develop and at your young age there is likely to be a less serious cause for these than a cancer. However when symptoms persist it is important they are checked out just to be sure.

    Unfortunately there are delays at the moment within the NHS with people having to wait much longer than usual for appointments. There are different referral pathways and if someone's symptoms aren't considered 'suspected cancer' which people should ideally be seen within 2 weeks, even an urgent referral will sadly mean a wait of several months in many cases. Routine referrals even longer.

    When cancer is in the family, people often assume that this greatly increases their risk of developing it, but this isn't always true.  Although the genes we inherit may influence our risk, this might not be by very much. No one is risk free and the risk of cancer increases for all of us as we get older. This is quite a complicated topic and it might be useful to look at our website which has a section explaining genes and inherited cancer risk at this link.

    Cancer is caused by build up of changes in our genes and/or the way our genes behave. Changes occur because of mistakes or faults which in most cases of cancer have developed over someone's lifetime and are not inherited. Faulty cancer genes can be passed from one generation to the next, but they are uncommon.

    Genetic testing in the NHS is only usually offered to people with a strong family history, as this predicts who is most likely to have inherited a cancer gene fault.This is something that your GP can advise you about so do discuss it with them when you have the chance.

    Hopefully you will hear more about your appointment soon but if symptoms are worsening do let your doctor know as they may be able to try and chase up the referral again. It may also be helpful to ask what referral pathway you are on for your information.

    Take care

    Naomi