Hi I was just wondering, if a month is the normal time to wait for a testicle cancer referral and ultrasound.And are some cancer referrals not covered by the 14 day rule.thank you.
In England, an urgent referral used to mean that you should see a specialist within 2 weeks. From October 2023 this 2 week timeframe was removed as part of a wider NHS England plan. It was replaced by the Faster Diagnosis standard. A GP will continue to refer someone urgently if they think they might have cancer. This practice won't change.
NHS England has introduced a new target called the Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS). The target is that you should not wait more than 28 days from referral to finding out whether you have cancer or not. This is part of a wider NHS England plan to focus more on the speed that someone gets their results and diagnosis.
The FDS applies to those people who are referred:
by their GP for suspected cancer
by their GP with breast symptoms where cancer is not suspected
following an abnormal screening result from a cancer screening test
I can understand that you have said that you are being seen in a month so hopefully you should have an appointment soon. There are variations up and down the country depending on capacity in different hospitals.
If you are concerned or have further symptoms that cause you concern then do talk to your GP.
I do hope that you know more soon.
if you would like to talk any of this through with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a call. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
