Getting tested for & diagnosed with cancer can be a physically & emotionally challenging time. We’re here to help make things a little clearer & show you where you can get support & additional information
We know having cancer tests can be a worrying time, and getting a cancer diagnosis can be a shock, even if you suspected you may have cancer. There’s no right or wrong way to deal with these situations, but we’ve got information and suggestions that might help make things a little easier.
In partnership with Macmillan, we’re here every step of the way, from getting tested for cancer to starting conversations about your cancer diagnosis.
What to expect when going for tests
If you’re worried you may have symptoms of cancer, it’s important that you discuss your concerns with your GP as soon as possible. They’ll be able to examine you and arrange further tests or scans if needed.
If you have symptoms of any type of cancer, your health team may use different types of tests to diagnose whether you have cancer, and to find out more about the cancer.
The type of test, or tests, you have can depend on the type of cancer your health team are checking for. These tests can include:
• Blood test
• Biopsy
• Bone scan
• Colonoscopy
• MRI scan
• Mammogram
• Rectal examination
• Smear test
• Ultrasound
• X-ray
Take a look at Macmillan’s A-Z of diagnostic tests to find out more about the different types of tests, and what to expect from each one.
Some tests may be quite quick and straightforward, and some may take a little longer. Healthcare staff will explain what they’re going to do and what to expect during the tests. Some tests can be a little uncomfortable, but staff are there to make you feel as comfortable as possible. If you do feel any discomfort during the tests, let them know.
You may want to think about taking someone with you when you go for a test – they may not be able to be there during the test itself but they should be able to wait in the waiting room or just outside, ready to meet you afterwards.
Waiting for test results
It’s unlikely you’ll get any results on the same day as you have tests done, as most of these tests take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to be processed, so you’ll get an appointment to receive your test results.
It’s normal to feel worried or anxious while you’re waiting for test results. You might feel unable to carry out your normal day to day activities during this time, or you might throw yourself into work or a hobby to keep yourself occupied. Everyone deals with this time differently and there’s no right or wrong way to act, so it’s important to do what’s right for you.
It may help to confide in a friend or family member about how you’re feeling, so they can offer you some support, or distraction, while you wait for your test results. Speaking to someone is usually a better idea than bottling things up and keeping them to yourself – it doesn’t have to be someone close to you.
You may be tempted to read up on different types of cancer and cancer treatment while you wait for your test results. We know it’s difficult, but it’s a good idea to try and wait until you have a diagnosis before you look for more information.
If you do decide to do some research, try to only read information from reputable sources, such as the NHS, Macmillan or Cancer Research, as incorrect information can cause unnecessary worry.
Getting your test results
You will usually get an appointment to see your specialist to discuss your test results. At this appointment you’ll be told the outcome of any tests you’ve had done, and your specialist may also discuss any treatment plans if needed. Alternatively, you might be given a separate appointment to discuss this.
It’s a good idea to take someone with you to these appointments, to ask any questions you might not think of at the time, and to listen to any information you’re given. Discussing a cancer diagnosis and treatment plan can be quite overwhelming, and you may not remember everything the specialist tells you.
Some people also find it helpful to take a notebook and pen, so they can write down any important information.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis
Being told you have cancer is a lot to take in. While many people are cured of cancer, or able to live with it for many years, getting a cancer diagnosis can understandably cause a range of emotions.
You may have thoughts or worries such as:
• Not knowing what the future holds
• Money worries
• How friends and family may react
• What your workplace rights are
• How you can prepare for treatment
You won’t be alone in these thoughts, and Macmillan has lots of valuable help and information to help you address each of these concerns, and many more, in their cancer diagnosis information and support.
And if you just need someone to talk to, you can call the free Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 – it’s open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our instore Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists who’re always happy to help, support and try to answer any questions you might have.
The stages & grades of cancer
If you get a cancer diagnosis, it’s important you understand what type of cancer you have, and what stage or grade it is. You may have to wait for an appointment to find this out after your initial diagnosis.
Cancers have different stages (usually split into stage one, two, three and four) and grades. These help professionals decide on the best course of treatment.
The stage usually describes how far the cancer has grown, and whether it has spread. The grade usually refers to how the cancer cells look compared to normal cells, which can help predict how fast they might grow or spread.
Macmillan has lots of information on the different stages, grades and types of cancer.
How to tell friends & family
Finding out you have cancer can feel overwhelming. It’s understandable to feel upset or uncomfortable talking about it, but telling friends and family can be helpful so they can try to understand what you’re going through, and support you when you need it.
There’s no right or wrong way to talk to other people about your cancer diagnosis, but when you’re ready, these tips may help:
• Tell them in a way that feels right for you, whether that be face to face, on the phone or via message
• Introduce the subject gradually, don’t feel like you have to come straight out with it
• Ask what they already know – chances are they’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself
• Explain a little bit at a time, checking that the other person understands what you’re telling them
• Don’t feel the need to be positive just to make the other person feel comfortable
• Don’t worry about any silences – there may be moments where neither of you know what to say, and that’s OK
• Be as honest as you can
• Tell them any ways you think they could help you on your cancer journey
Once you’ve told one or two people, you might feel more able to tell others. If not, you could ask the people you’ve already told to help and support you in letting others know about your diagnosis. Remember, it’s about doing what feels right for you.
Once you’ve told one or two people, you might feel more able to tell others. If not, you could ask the people you’ve already told to help and support you in letting others know about your diagnosis. Remember, it’s about doing what feels right for you.
Macmillan has lots of help and information on how to tell people about your cancer diagnosis.
What to expect next
Once you feel ready, it might be a good idea to do some research into the type of cancer you have, and what the next steps are.
Your specialist will have given you lots of information, but you might find you want to look more into things such as the type of cancer you have and what help and support there is available, as well as any treatment you might be having.
It’s important to make sure to look in the right place for information – there’s a lot of misinformation online which can be unhelpful. Take a look at our article on coping with cancer treatments, or look at the Macmillan website for information on cancer diagnosis and support that’s available.
Remember, if you have any questions or need any advice, Macmillan have lots of helpful information and support on all aspects of living with cancer and supporting loved ones living with cancer, and our instore Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists are always happy to help.
