If you are worried about symptoms that you may think suggest cancer, then you should visit your GP. If your GP thinks there is any possibility that you may have cancer, they will refer you to a hospital outpatient department for further examinations and tests.

It can take courage to go to your GP to have symptoms checked out and going for tests can be a worrying time as you wait for results. You may have more than one type of test, depending on the part of the body being investigated and the most common tests are listed on our Cancerbackup website. Be sure to ask as many questions as you want, and don’t be afraid to ask again if you’re not fully clear on the answers. Asking questions [PDF, 32kb] can help you to get important information about any tests for which you have been referred.

If you need extra support at this difficult time, there are people and organisations who you can talk to even before it is confirmed whether or not you have cancer. Call Cancerline on freephone 0808 808 2020 (Mon – Fri 9am – 9pm) to answer any questions you may have.