Hello and thanks for your post

I’m sorry to read about your diagnosis and appreciate how difficult it is waiting for things to happen after this news.

Many people worry that their cancer will spread while they are waiting for appointments and to start treatment. But we do know that most cancers grow slowly, so waiting a few weeks does not normally affect how well treatment works.  However, waiting any length of time when you are worried is stressful.

In the UK there are targets for maximum waiting times to start treatment. Ideally, there should be no more than 2 months (62 days) wait between the date the hospital receives an urgent referral for suspected cancer and the start of treatment.

We have more information about cancer waiting times on our website here.

Hospitals will do their best to meet the cancer waiting targets, however many are finding this difficult. This can be due to staff shortages within the NHS.

It’s good you have an appointment coming up in the next three weeks where I hope you will find out more.

Give us a ring if you would like to talk things over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene

Hello and thanks for your post

I’m sorry to read about your diagnosis and appreciate how difficult it is waiting for things to happen after this news.

Many people worry that their cancer will spread while they are waiting for appointments and to start treatment. But we do know that most cancers grow slowly, so waiting a few weeks does not normally affect how well treatment works.  However, waiting any length of time when you are worried is stressful.

In the UK there are targets for maximum waiting times to start treatment. Ideally, there should be no more than 2 months (62 days) wait between the date the hospital receives an urgent referral for suspected cancer and the start of treatment.

We have more information about cancer waiting times on our website here.

Hospitals will do their best to meet the cancer waiting targets, however many are finding this difficult. This can be due to staff shortages within the NHS.

It’s good you have an appointment coming up in the next three weeks where I hope you will find out more.

Give us a ring if you would like to talk things over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene

Thank you Celene for your reply. I do appreciate that they are really busy, just worried as I've been told I have grade 3 and it's fast growing. Last mammogram was only 14 months ago and all clear.  I now have two lumps and further cancer cells in breast tissue. Half of my right breast is affected. Can't help but be concerned. X

 Quick update- Got a call to say my appointment has been brought forward to 14 February. Apparently I'm on a priority list, so they are trying to fit me in ASAP. I'm much happier with this.