Sadly, there has been a drop in cancer referrals and therefore diagnoses during the pandemic as people have not been telling us their concerns. We want that to change. We want you to know what to look out for and tell us if you are worried about a symptom.
Here are some things to look out for(right):
I think I have symptoms of cancer, what should I do during the coronavirus outbreak?
You should contact us as normal. We are still open and are running many services virtually and can see you in person if needed. You should not let the pandemic stop you from seeking medical advice and care, especially about cancer concerns.
We appreciate it must be overwhelming when you are worried about cancer. Here is some more information and what to expect if you are thinking about contacting us – Coronavirus and cancer.
About your 2 week- wait (2WW) cancer referral
| General Information | Specific Information |
|---|---|
| If you have been given a 2 week wait (2WW) referral by your GP to further investigate the possibility of cancer, please find information here. English. Bengali. Chinese simplified. Chinese traditional. Gujarati. Hindi. Polish. Punjabi. Somali. Turkish. Urdu. | For more specific information depending on body area- Lower GI. Upper GI. Urology. Gynaecology. Breast. |
Cancer Screening
The NHS Bowel Screening Programme will send you the screening kits in the post when you are eligible/due. These kits are looking for any blood in the stool (poo), which can be a sign of cancer.
When will I be invited?
Ages 60 to 74 – automatically sent a bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years.
Ages >75 – you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Ages 50-60 – we are gradually starting to offer these groups kits as well.
How do I enquire about missed kits?
You can call the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
(Smear Tests)
We provide cervical screening ‘smear tests’ here at our surgery with the practice nurse. We are looking for the presence of the HPV virus on the cervix. Even though it is a common virus and is usually harmless, there is a small chance of it causing cell damage and sometimes cancer. If you are eligible/due, you can call us anytime to arrange.
Watch this video on what to expect at your appointment.
How do I rebook missed appointments?
Just call reception and ask us to make you a new appointment with the practice nurse for a smear test.
The HPV virus is confusing and difficult to understand – this information fact sheet from Jo’s cervical cancer trust is very helpful – Download Only: Mini factsheet: HPV | Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
(Mammograms)
In Islington and Camden, the Breast Screening Service is provided by The Central & East London Breast Screening Service.
When will I be invited?
Ages 50-53 – you’ll get your first invite
Ages 50-71 – every 3 years
Watch this video on ‘Having your mammogram‘.
For other languages – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/breast-screening-helping-women-decide
How do I rebook missed appointments?
- Call the London HUB on 02037582024
- Or visit the website (https://www.london-breastscreening.org.uk)
- Or email [email protected]
- To change an appointment, visit https://www.london-breastscreening.org.uk/Breast-Screening-Appointments
Learning disability cancer information
It is important you call us if you experience any of the following symptoms in the image (right).
And it is important you come for your cancer screening checks.
For general information on cancer screening.
Bowel cancer screening
More information.
An easy guide to bowel screening PDF.
Breast cancer screening
More information.
For a real life video experience ‘Do the test – GO FOR IT!‘
An easy guide to breast screening PDF.
Cervical cancer screening
More information.
For a real life video experience ‘The Smear Test Film’.
An easy guide to cervical screening PDF.
Transgender and non-binary cancer information
| Breast cancer screening | Cervical cancer screening |
|---|---|
| Here is some information which covers the common breast cancer screening programs. If you are registered with your GP as female, you will automatically be invited for breast cancer screening, including trans-men, trans-women and non-binary people. But it is important to remember the following – and if you think you are eligible but perhaps won’t be invited automatically, please contact us anytime. What if I was assigned female at birth? If you have had top surgery, you can still have underlying breast tissue, but you probably won’t be able to have a mammogram. So please call us if you notice any changes to this tissue. If you have not had top surgery, we still recommend breast screening. What if I was assigned male at birth? Feminising hormones can increase your risk of breast cancer, so if you have been taking these for longer than 2 years, we recommend breast cancer screening. | Anyone who has a cervix due to being assigned female at birth qualifies for cervical screening, including: Trans men Cis gender women Non binary people assigned female at birth Unless of course they have had their cervix removed. If you are registered with your GP under a female gender then we can see when you are eligible and due. Have a look if the below information is relevant to you, and if you think you qualify but worry that we won’t have your right details or you won’t be contacted automatically, please call us anytime to clarify. What if I was assigned female at birth? If you are registered as female with your GP, you will automatically be invited, unless of course you have opted out. If you are registered as male, you won’t be automatically invited. So if you think you qualify please call us to discuss and we can make you a booking. What if I was assigned male at birth? If you are a transwoman who has had reconstructive surgery, you may have a neo-cervix. However, this has different cells to a cervix in a cisgender woman, and thus has a much lower risk of cancer, so you do not qualify for cervical screening. |