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Referral to urgent cancer pathway for non specific symptoms

Shropshirelass62
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Hi,

Can you please let me know what is involved in this? I have never heard of a non specific pathway.

Along with the referral the GP has sent me for lots more blood tests (some came back abnormal), a urine test and a chest Xray. I already have done the FIT test which was normal.

Don't know what happens next. Only realised in was the urgent pathway when I saw it on the patient access portal.

Many thanks

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    Hi Shropshire lass,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear about the anxiety concerning your recent referral. Please try not to overthink things.  Most of us are referred under the urgent (2 week) pathway. As for the unspecific pathway, it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the area of interest, until you are seen in the clinic and have some specific scans carried out.

    I do hope that your appointment comes through soon and you can get some more specific answers.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards

    Jolamine xx

  • Hello Shropshirelass and thanks for your post,

    I can understand how unsettling this must be waiting to find out more.

    It is difficult to be too specific without being involved in your care but as you have a normal FIT test the doctors need to find out the cause of any symptoms you may have and any other abnormal tests.

    In order to refer you to a particular specialty the doctors need to find out who they should refer you to which is why you are having so many different tests.

    There are other reasons for symptoms and abnormal tests to occur other then cancer but it is important that this is ruled out.

    Try and keep an open mind. Having an urgent referral just means that hopefully you can be seen a bit quicker. You can read about. urgent referrals on our website.

    I do hope you know more soon.

    If you would like to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a call.

    The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

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