Lower Gastrointestinal suspected cancer pathway : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

You have been referred on a suspected cancer pathway. Your GP has made this referral as they are concerned that your gastrointestinal symptoms could be caused by cancer. There are many common conditions that could also explain your symptoms. Most people referred on this pathway do not have cancer. Your GP has told us that you are aware that you may have cancer and that you are available for appointments and tests.

You will have an initial consultation with a member of our team, and this should take place within seven days of your referral being received by us. This will usually be via telephone, but we will arrange to see some patients in person. During the consultation your symptoms and overall health will be assessed. We will then organise investigations to try to identify the cause of your symptoms.

It is important that you make yourself available for this appointment and all the investigations you need. Not attending could result in your symptoms getting worse and a delay in your treatment if you are found to have cancer. If you are not available for more than fourteen days, you may be discharged back to your GP, who will need to complete a new referral if your symptoms persist.

What investigation(s) might I have and why?

The investigation(s) will depend on your symptoms and other factors such as other illnesses, your age, and your level of fitness. We will discuss the required investigation(s) during your first appointment. Please ask if you have any questions.

Some of the common investigations we use are:

Colonoscopy – A colonoscopy involves a long, thin, flexible tube with a with a small camera inside being passed through your bottom to check inside your bowels. This test is not painful and you’re usually awake during the procedure. You will need to take medication before the test to make sure that your bowels are empty. You’ll be given instructions about what you need to do before the procedure.

CT Colonography – A CT colonography involves using a scanner to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the large bowel. During the procedure, gas will be used to inflate your bowel via a thin flexible tube placed in your back passage. Then CT scans will be performed. You will need to take medication before the test to make sure that your bowels are empty. You’ll be given instructions about what you need to do before the procedure.

CT scan – a CT scan uses X-rays to take detailed pictures of your body from different angles. A computer then puts them together to give a series of pictures.