Faster diagnosis pathway for gynaecology

The appointments and tests you may need to have to examine your symptoms are described as a ‘pathway’. The faster diagnosis pathway allows you to have the right tests as quickly as possible. This way we can reach a diagnosis and, if needed, offer you treatment promptly.

The diagram below shows the order of the appointments from referral to treatment. Please note that if cancer is ruled out early in the pathway, you will not need the rest of the tests or appointments. 

If your results confirm you have cancer, a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) will support you through the pathway. A CNS will also support you if you are referred to UCLH for further tests or treatment. They will be your first point of contact for any queries you may have about your care. 

Depending on your diagnosis, you may also be offered genetic tests and/or information about research studies in which you can take part.

• Please be available for the next six weeks for appointments. 
• You may need to attend some of the appointments at short notice. It’s very important that you attend all the appointments we offer you. 
• If you cannot attend an appointment or if you are planning to go away, please talk to your GP, hospital doctor or CNS as soon as possible. You may need to reschedule any trips away. 
• If you cannot keep your appointment because of an emergency, please call us without delay on 020 3447 2565. You will then need to arrange another appointment. 
• You may find it helpful for someone to go with you to your appointments. 
• Please bring a list of your current medicines to your first outpatient appointment. 
• If you need a translator or interpreter, please call our gynaecology appointments team on 020 3447 2565 to arrange this in time for your appointment. 
• If you need transport to and from the hospital, please speak to your GP. They can advise you how to arrange it. 
• Please let us know if your contact details change.

You might experience a range of emotions while waiting for your results. Many people tell us that they feel anxious. Others feel numb or notice that things don’t seem real. Some people also find it harder to concentrate or remember things. There is no ‘normal’ way to feel during this period. So try to be kind to yourself whatever emotions you are experiencing.

If you are feeling anxious, you may notice: 

• increased heart rate 
• muscle tension 
• faster breathing 
• feeling hot and sweaty 
• racing thoughts 
• butterflies in your stomach. 

These are all normal responses to a worrying situation and should get better over time. 

You may find the tips below helpful during the wait:

• Find ways to express your feelings. You could talk to a trusted friend or family member. Or you could try writing or drawing about how you feel. 
• Distraction. Try activities that occupy your mind. Pay close attention to what you are doing, even if your mind keeps distracting you. Include a mixture of activities that you enjoy and that give you a sense of achievement and closeness to other people. 
• Movement. Physical activity can help us to feel calmer, both physically and mentally. This can be as simple as doing some slow stretches or going for a short walk. 
• Slow your breathing. When we are feeling stressed, we tend to breathe more quickly, shallowly, and from the chest. Slowing your breathing and breathing from lower in your abdomen can help to calm your body and mind. Try the following exercise: 
  • Breathe in slowly and steadily for four seconds. 
  • Pause for a second.  
  • Breathe out slowly and steadily for four seconds. 
  • Pause for another second. 

Try breathing like this for a minute or two and see how you feel.

We know that for some people who have experienced trauma, particularly sexual violence, healthcare appointments can be difficult. We will try to do everything we can to make you feel comfortable. Please tell us if there are things that you would like us to do (or not do) to help you feel safe. 

We understand that it can also be difficult to share that you have experienced trauma, or to talk about it. We will not ask you to if that’s what you want. Instead, you might like to point to this section on your phone or on a printout if you have one. This will tell us that your experiences can make healthcare appointments difficult.

If you have any appointment or interpreting queries, please contact our gynaecology appointments team on 020 3447 2565.

For any clinical queries, please speak to your GP or hospital doctor.

Switchboard: 020 3456 7890 

If you have any questions or worries about your symptoms or the faster diagnosis pathway, contact your GP. 

You can also visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website for more information about referrals and waiting times. 

Or call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm) to speak to one of their nurses if you are worried. 

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust cannot accept responsibility for information provided by external organisations.