If you are on a two week pathway does the dr tell you?

[funderama]

I went to GP as I had an episode of severe pain in my top right abdomen, going into my back and shoulder. GP mentioned possible gallstones or kidney stones. He said he would refer me for ultrasound scan - he said "I'm not putting it as urgent but also it won't be, like 3 months".

He also examined my abdomen, listened to chest, took blood and urine samples, blood pressure etc and all was fine.

Anyway, the letter has come through and it is for 15 days after the gp appointment. I know I should be pleased I am getting seen to but I am now panicking in case it is more urgent than he initially let on. Would he have said if he was concerned re cancer?

Yes, they do mention it.

I've been on 3 of these in the past few years and I think my GP just said something like you'll be seen quickly to rule out anything worrying rather than saying " you are on a 2 week cancer pathway ". Being an Oncology Nurse for many years I knew what that meant.

He might have marked it as priority as opposed to urgent and you've just happened to get an appointment sooner because it's holidays times. (Prev medical secretary/waiting list co-ord here)

Any time I've been put on a 2 week wait the GP has told me that was what they were doing.

I have been on the two week cancer pathway twice. I was fully aware both times.

I think the referral letter references the pathway if you are on it.

You should have had a copy of the referral letter, are you on the NHS App? The GP should usually inform you but more likely to say urgent pathway etc.

I had 2 referrals to 2 week pathways and they did say it was a cancer pathway based on my symptoms.

Perhaps may depend on your GP.

I would try not to worry though, sometimes straight to test pathways are quicker and just because you are being seen soon doesn’t mean you may have cancer. They are just being prudent based on your symptoms / referral.

The referral letter has said 2 week pathway quite clearly at the top when I've had them.

The first one I had the GP didn't tell me (just that he'd referred me on) so it was a bit of a shock when I got that letter! He did ring and apologise. The other 3 yes I did know, was also told it was to exclude anything sinister and the chances of it actually being cancer were very very small.

One of my DDs was referred for suspected cancer on Friday. The GP made it clear that’s what he was doing and a letter arrived today stating she will have an appointment due to suspected cancer. Also came with a leaflet with some more info about the cancer pathway and the fact 9 out of 10 on the pathway turn out not ha e cancer.

I've been on the 2ww a few times (including just now).
They have always told me.

Referrals are triaged by the team they are sent to. The GP will usually give an indication of how urgently they think the patient should be seen but it isn't their decision, ultimately.

(The 2ww is the sort of exception to this but there are clinical criteria that have to fulfilled to use it - I would expect your GP to tell you at the time if they were using this pathway).

It could be that the team you have been referred to have decided that they want to see you sooner.

It could be they have unfilled gap in their clinic and they've slotted you in.

I would assume the GP was telling you truthfully about their level of concern at the time they referred.

Thanks everyone.

I have checked the letter again and it doesn't say anything about the two week pathway or anything urgent.

I've been referred to gynaecologist and BREAST clinic today on two weeks pathway and doctor was very detailed in what she told me ( private doctor) and tomorrow I have to go to GP and tell them what she has said. On both referrals it says two week pathway. Maybe you were just lucky to get a quick appointment