Waiting for test results
You may worry that waiting a few weeks for results will affect your chances of successful treatment. It may help to try to remember that many cancers can take months or even years to grow to the point where they give symptoms. Waiting a few more weeks for investigations to be completed and for treatment to begin should not make any difference to your chances of successful treatment.
Bear in mind too that it is important that all the relevant tests have been completed before treatment is started, as this will affect the doctors’ recommendations on the best option for treating your cancer.
Of course you will want to know the results of the tests as early as possible. Hospital staff understand this and will try to do all they can to let you know quickly. You can ask the hospital doctor or those conducting the tests how long you might expect to wait. Some people feel as though the medical profession, despite good explanations for choices, take over the selection of tests and treatments. Some simple questions can help you to feel more in control.
If waiting is difficult
If you find the test results take longer than expected, or the waiting is very difficult for you, you can telephone the hospital doctor’s secretary, explain how worried you are and ask if the process can be speeded up. It might also help to check the hospital’s charter, usually available on the hospital’s website or via the local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), for details of the length of time you can expect to wait.
Access support
You may find it helpful to telephone a cancer support and information service like the Macmillan CancerLine on freephone 0808 808 2020. Macmillan can provide you with information and emotional support. All this may help you to feel that you are using the waiting time to become more informed.