NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board has noted a recent increase in patients delaying their urgent suspected cancer referral appointments. We appreciate this can be due to personal commitments and other aspects preventing them from attending their allocated appointments however its vitally important to prioritise these appointments. 

Cancer Research has produced a leaflet for patients with suspected cancer to support them at this difficult time. It’s been created to emphasise the importance of accepting the earliest appointment available.

It is reassuring to note that more than 9 in 10 people referred this way are not diagnosed with cancer. Swift referrals can provide re-assurance or early treatment.

If you have been given an urgent suspected cancer referral, you can download Cancer Research’s leaflet here to explain the process and reassure you.