Suspicion of Cancer Pathway

62 Day Suspicion of Cancer Pathway

The 62 day pathway is a national guideline for clinicians, other health professionals and administrative staff to ensure individuals are seen and treated within a set time.
 
The most common way to be referred on to the 62 day pathway is by your GP, GDP (Dentist) or Optometrist – This is with an ‘Urgent Suspicion of Cancer” appointment. If your GP/GPD or Optometrist thinks further investigations are needed, they will refer you to the hospital to see a specialist.  Once the hospital receives the referral,  the ‘clock’ starts, and we will aim to book you an appointment no later than 14 days. You can also be referred onto a 62 day pathway following an appointment at the hospital if the clinician you saw is suspicious of cancer, or, from one of the national screening programmes after an initial screening tests.
 
You will be booked into an appointment, this could be in person, virtually or straight to test according to the pathway you are referred on. It is essential that you make yourself available for all appointments, tests and appointments that may be offered to you so that these can be carried out promptly.
 
All hospitals are required to rule out or secure a diagnosis of cancer within 28 days of you being on the 62 day pathway.
 
It can be a worrying time while you wait. 

What we need from you as the patient:

  • It is essential that you make yourself available for all appointments, tests and investigations that may be offered to you so that these can be carried out promptly
  • If your GP has given you a letter to book your appointment, please follow the instructions to do so
  • Should you experience any difficulty, please contact your GP/GDP or Optometrist or the hospital on the number provided
  • Please ensure that your GP has your correct address and telephone number, including mobile number
  • When you book your appointment there is an opportunity to advise the hospital of any specialist needs you may have
  • If they do not hear from you, the hospital may contact you by telephone to arrange an appointment, so the correct contact telephone number is very important. (Please note that the hospital number will display as ‘number withheld’ on your telephone).   If they are not able to make telephone contact, they will not be able to offer you an appointment
  • Once you have agreed an appointment, ensure that you follow instructions and attend on the date agreed, if this is a virtual appointment, please be available to take the call at the time specified
  • You are welcome to bring a family member/friend to any face to face appointments, who can offer you support
  • You might want to write down some questions to ask at the appointment and write down the answers you are given.

If a cancer is diagnosed, then your case will be discussed at an ‘MDT’ which stands for ‘Multi-disciplinary team meeting’. This involves many individuals, who will review all your test results and consider all your personal needs and requirements. From this discussion, the best treatment option for you will be documented and this will then be discussed with you at a follow up appointment, either by the consultant or a cancer nurse specialist.  
For more information about MDTs click here.

Your treatment start date should be within 62 days of the clock starting (when the referral was received by the hospital), and within 31 days of you agreeing a decision to treat (this is when you and the clinician have agreed on your treatment option, and you sign a consent form)
 
We are committed to providing high quality care and will do everything we can to ensure a timely ruling out of cancer/confirmation of a cancer diagnosis in order to provide the best optimal care.

If a cancer is diagnosed, then your case will be discussed at an ‘MDT’ which stands for ‘Multi-disciplinary team meeting’. This involves many individuals, who will review all your test results and consider all your personal needs and requirements. From this discussion, the best treatment option for you will be documented and this will then be discussed with you at a follow up appointment, either by the consultant or a cancer nurse specialist.  
For more information about MDTs click here
 
Your treatment start date should be within 62 days of the clock starting (when the referral was received by the hospital), and within 31 days of you agreeing a decision to treat (this is when you and the clinician have agreed on your treatment option, and you sign a consent form)
 
We are committed to providing high quality care and will do everything we can to ensure a timely ruling out of cancer/confirmation of a cancer diagnosis in order to provide the best optimal care.

Add 62 day pathway table

31 Day Pathway

The 31 day pathway is a national cancer target which applies to paediatric patients, adults with suspected testicular cancer, and adults with suspected acute leukaemia. These patients will have their first appointment within 7 days. If a diagnosis is confirmed they will receive treatment within 31 days of referral. (This is when the referral is received by the hospital)

The 31 day pathway will apply to all other patients following a decision to treat (treatment must start 31 days from consent). This includes first treatments and any further treatments.