Worried you might have cancer?

If you're worried that your symptoms could be a sign of cancer, speaking to your GP is an important first step

Getting a diagnosis as early as possible can help you access the right care and treatment. If your sumptoms aren't caused by cancer, your GP can help you explore what else might be causing them. 

It can be difficult to explain everything you're experiencing in a short appointment, especially if you're feeling anxious. Preparing beforehand can help you feel more confident, make the most of your time and get the answers you need.

To help with this we have created a symptom checklist, available in English, Welsh, Polish and Arabic, which you can download, print and take with you to an appointment with your GP.

Speaking to your GP about cancer

Research in England found that 1 in 5 people with cancer visited their GP three or more times before being diagnosed. This was more likely for younger people and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Sometimes, appointments focus on individual symptoms, and cancer may not be discussed. If you’re worried about cancer, it’s okay to say so directly. Taking a written list of your symptoms can help you explain your concerns and have an open conversation with your GP.

Your GP may be able to reassure you that your symptoms are unlikely to be caused by cancer, or explain whether further tests are needed. Either way, speaking up can help you understand what happens next.

We know getting a GP appointment isn’t always easy. You may face long waits on the phone or be asked questions by a receptionist to help decide how urgently you need to be seen. Try not to put off asking for help if you’re worried about your symptoms. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to get it checked.

Tips for getting an appointment

- Write down your symptoms. Keep your list in front of you when speaking to the receptionist, so you can explain what you’ve been experiencing.

- Be clear about how you feel. For example, if you’re experiencing ongoing tiredness, explain how long it’s lasted and how it’s affecting your everyday life.

- Say if you’re worried about cancer. This helps the receptionist understand your concerns and decide what information to pass on to the GP.

- Ask for what you need. You can request a male or female doctor, an in-person appointment or an interpreter.

- Try different ways of contacting your practice. Phone lines may be busiest first thing in the morning, although this is often when same-day appointments are arranged. Check whether you can book online or visit the practice in person.

- Keep asking for help if you’re still concerned. If your symptoms continue, change or get worse, contact your GP practice again.

- You know your body. If you’re worried about a symptom, you deserve to have your concerns heard and understood.

Questions to ask at your appointment

If you’re worried about cancer, it can be difficult to remember everything you want to say during a short appointment. It may help to write down your questions beforehand and make notes of the answers, so you can refer back to them later.

You have the right to ask questions and explain what you need. For example:

- Can I see a male or female doctor?
- Can I use an interpreter during my appointment?
- Can I bring a friend or family member with me for support?
- I’m worried my symptoms could be linked to cancer. Can we talk about this?
- What can I do to manage my symptoms?
- What treatment options are available to me?
- What happens next, and when should I expect to hear about my next appointment or test results?
- Who can I contact if my symptoms change or I have further concerns?
- Where can I find additional support?

Worried you might forget something important? You can ask your doctor if it’s okay to record the conversation so you can listen back to the information later. Always ask for their permission first.

Remember, it’s okay to ask your doctor to repeat or explain something if you’re unsure. You deserve to feel listened to and understand what happens next.

Questions other people wish they'd asked

We asked members of our All-Wales Cancer Community, who have personal experience of a cancer diagnosis, what questions they wish they had asked during their appointments. Here are some of their suggestions to help you feel prepared:

- What can I do to help myself?
- Can you write that down please?
- What tests are being done and why?
- Why aren’t any tests being offered?
- What would the treatment options be?
- How soon would I start treatment?
- What support is there?
- How effective is this treatment and are there side effects?
- Who do I contact if I have any worries?

You may have questions of your own, and that's okay. There's no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your health.

Have a question to add? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at insight@tenovuscancercare.org.uk.