Hi,

Receptionists are not allowed to give results over the phone because they can't answer any questions you may have, not having any medical qualifications. It's also important to point out that, although your test results may be back, they may not yet have been discussed at the Multi Disciplinary Team Meeting (MDT). All results, whether good or bad, are discussed at this weekly meeting - it involves the department consultants, nurses, radiographer & oncologist. Once discussed, the patient is then informed so this can sometimes hold up the results.

I can only speak from my experience with my melanoma (dermatology) clinic. If I was trying to get my results asap I would ring & ask to speak to one of the cancer nurses in the department. They are allowed to give results over the phone, unless the consultant has expressly noted that they wish to speak to the patient themselves. So it may be worth ringing the clinic again & asking if there is a cancer nurse in the department that can give you your results - it's worth trying. Otherwise, I'm afraid you will have to wait for the letter.

Good luck, I hope you aren't waiting too long and that the results bring good news,

Angie (melanoma patient)

I have womb cancer, I got my results over the telephone from the lady who did my hysteroscopy and biopsy, she called me and told me there findings. They also sent a later  out after the phone call to explain more about womb cancer grade or stage 2 (I can never remember whether stage or gradethey called it). Now I am waiting to go for ct scan on Monday. I hope everything goes well for you, why not phone your cancer nurse and see if she has any idea how long it maye for results xxx

Thanks Angie - I've just tried to get through, but no answer at the minute, but thanks for the advice and thanks for your best wishes. Best Wishes to you as well, Julie

Thanks Pabala - I've just tried to ring, but no answer at the minute, but it's good to know they can do that. All the best for your CT scan on Monday/x

Hi Angie,

Just wanted to say that I finally managed to get someone to ring me and it was good news - thank you for suggesting that I asked for a cancer nurse - that made a big difference to the response I received :) All the best with your situation/x

Hi Pabala, Just wanted to follow up and say thank you for suggesting that I ask to speak to a nurse. It made a big difference once I specifically asked for a clinician to phone me. It took a few goes to get someone to ring me back, but when they did it was good news, so thank you very much for answering my post and giving me an option for getting my results. I hope your CT scan went okay today and the news will be good/x