If you're getting that information from a reputable site e.g. cancer research, the NHS etc, take a print out and go back to your gp.

As harsh as it may sound, you have to be an advocate for your own health because some gp's simply assume nothing warrants a referral if it's not got massive neon lighting, with arrows stating "cancer" or "suspect cancer". If the information you are reading is from a reputable site, then you owe it to yourself to seek out a proper second opinion. Even ask to see the original doctor, who showed more concern. No matter what, ignore the last gp and speak to another. If all that fails, and whilst it's not right, you could always initially go private if you have the funds. If the private dermatology appointment flags something up, then your gp would have no alternative but to put you on the suspected cancer pathway.

Thank you so much for replying.

I did as you suggested - actually emailed the practice and asked for the referral. She texted me back this afternoon and has made a referral on the 2 week pathway. It is a big relief to be taken seriously and I will report back following the appointment.

I hope I'm not wasting anyones time - which is a weird thing to hope for, but I guess you know what I mean.

Hi Olla,

I agree with everything Profbaw has suggested. Print out the information from the British Association of Dermatologists and ask to see the first GP again. 

I know you said you can't afford to go private, but you only need to pay for a private consultation - if the dermatologist says it needs referring then you can go back to the NHS. Ask the private dermatologist for a copy of your consultation and take it to your GP who should then refer you under the 2 week rule.

Stick to your guns, we patients need to be more proactive (which my dermatologist advocates)!

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

As bizarre as it sounds, they want you to waste their time. No treatment means no effort from them, and if it is something, then earlier treatment means less treatment in most cases. If people have genuine concerns, it's better to get told it's nothing than to sit on it for 6 months and get told you should have been seen 6 months earlier when treatment would have been minimal or possible.

There's a few stories on here where people sat and did nothing for months for various reasons, only to be told they now require more invasive and debilitating treatments.

It's not as if you're going to the gp for every headache, demanding they check you for a brain tumour or turning up with every minor bruise demanding they check you for a blood cancer. Your concerns are valid, and hopefully they do tell you it's nothing. They prefer telling people good news than bad news.

Hello,

so I had my appointment this morning and everything is ok. I was super worried prior - partly because the lump/nodule got bigger, then got painful, then about 5 days ago it shrank! Oh the irony. Yes, it shrank very rapidly, albeit also became indurated and scabbed over again. I began to worry more about seeming like a fool / drama seeker than anything else.

Today I saw a nurse practitioner. The total apppointment was super quick. She took a very quick look at my forehead with a dermoscope (a matter of seconds), said it was actinic keratosis, and offered to treat with liquid nitrogen. I managed to get some questions in, and she then treated the lump on my forehead and another on my scalp. Then I was discharged.

Ultimately I'm glad I went - I don't think I used up much time at all - probably the biggest drain on the system was organising the appointment itself. I feel lucky and relieved, and hopefully things will stay that way.

Thank for the comments and advice from both of you - it was much appreciated. I hope everyone could be as fortunate as me.

So glad to hear you got it checked out, diagnosed and treated quickly. Your perseverance certainly paid off xx