We Are Here for You – Cancer and Cervical Smears

If you have symptoms that are new, persistent, concerning or progressive, contact your GP online via their website or on the telephone for an initial assessment. 

The best chance of successful treatment for cancer is through early detection. GPs are able to assess over the phone and by video and if necessary, they can plan for you to safely be seen face-to-face. 

We are treating people with cough or fever in separate locations from those with other symptoms to ensure it is safe for you to attend the practice,​ if we think it is necessary. 

Clinicians are using protective equipment (such as masks) when they do see people face-to-face to minimise the risk of transmission. 

Hospitals are continuing to offer tests for cancer, and treatment for cancer. Social distancing measures are in place to keep patients and staff safe when they do come in for their tests.  The type of assessment may change and it may take slightly longer than normal, but this is still better than delaying until after the pandemic.

Hospitals are taking care to make their cancer assessment services safe for patients to attend, where this is necessary. Some have moved cancer services off-site, some are using video consultations.

The cervical screening programme for routine checks is currently suspended but first calls and those who have previously had an abnormal result and are on a yearly recall are continuing.

If you have been asked to make an appointment for cervical screening, don’t put it off, It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.