Hi Tazmin,

For what it is worth, the vast majority of people put onto the 2ww pathway are NOT diagnosed with cancer.

Even those who are will start treatment earlier than they would have if not put on a 2ww. The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier the stage and the more likelihood of a positive outcome (a euphemism for not dying). 
 

Sadly, I was never put on a 2ww and was diagnosed at Stage 4. Even at that late stage there is still hope of survival. I was first diagnosed in 2014 and I'm still here to tell my story.

Good luck!

Dave

Hi Tazmin, I read that GP's need to inform patients that they suspect cancer before referring them on the 2ww pathway. Mine also said it in a reassuring way like that but it is alarming to hear the word cancer. 

Hope we have a positive outcomes x

I have been on the two week wait for breast clinic  all was fine  and colorectal which became gynaecology oncology following my colonoscopy. After my surgery for ovarian cysts all of the biopsies were benign. I'm over 65 and in the suspicious age group surgery was advised by my surgeon, 

Try to relax and take it easy, talk to family or friends, l hope you have an appointment soon and get reassurance that all is fine. 
Susie

Hi Dave,

Thank you, that is very reassuring. 

That is awful, they should've done better. I'm so glad you defied the odds. I read about how you were told you weren't going to see Christmas 2013 so I'm glad you've seen many more since.

Hi Amelia,

Thank you. She did inform me that it could be cancer but in a very subtle way like 'you are young, so this shouldn't be anything serious.. like cancer.. but you have been having a lot of symptoms' and continued to explain a checklist and then the 2ww pathway. That is kind that she didn't want to add any unnecessary worry to her patients.

Sorry to read that you also have symptoms but it's good you're on the 2ww pathway aswell. 

Hopefully we do both have positive outcomes. Thank you.

Hi Susie,

Thank you for sharing. That must have been very terrifying being on the 2ww while being over 65. I am glad you didn't have cancer but it must have still felt unpleasant to have a benign condition. How are you now?

Thank you for the advice.

Thanks.

After diagnosis one of my first actions as an activist was to join a campaign at an NCIN conference to get NICE to change their guidelines to GPs changed. My own GP cried when I was diagnosed because she'd followed their guidance which she twice ignored in the following month leading to early diagnosis. 

I seriously recommend the CRUK Campaigns Ambassadors Programme to anyone who would like to influence the way Cancer Services are delivered better in the coming years.

www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../become-a-campaigns-ambassado

Best wishes

Dave

Hi Dave,

Wow, I think you have the best type of strength that you wanted to help others and bring change for other people with cancer symptoms, while you were going through the most difficult time. That's must have helped save so many lives.

Thank you for sending the link, I definitely want to influence the way cancer services are delivered.