Overview

Cancer of unknown primary

We'll support and care for you throughout your treatment for cancer of unknown primary (CUP). The cancer of unknown primary is when there is a positive diagnosis of cancer but we are unable to find the primary location of where the cancer started.

We can provide:

  • specialist education and advice
  • pain relief in hospital and at home (palliative care)
  • close working with your GP and local hospital

Your treatment depends on the type and stage of your cancer. You may have radiotherapy, chemotherapy or both. You may also need surgery, before or after your treatment.

We can refer you for:

  • benefits and welfare advice
  • complementary therapies
  • diet advice
  • help with transport
  • psychological therapy
  • physiotherapy
  • occupational therapy

Our site at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup provides chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

We work with our partners at:

  • King's College Hospital
  • Princess Royal Hospital, Orpington
  • Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich
  • Lewisham Hospital

Health information

We're committed to providing you with personalised cancer care. You can read more about what this means on our cancer care and support page.

Macmillan Cancer Support has free information and emotional support for people with cancer. They have information about:

  • cancer types
  • treatments and what to expect
  • support groups and organisations

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has guidance for patients and carers about their treatments. This can help you make decisions about your care.

Cancer Research UK provides information and support about cancers and treatments:

Cancer Research UK cancer of unknown primary information

Our consultants

Sarah Ngan, clinical lead for cancer of unknown primary

Asad Qureshi

Ailsa Sita-Lumsden

Last updated: February 2024

Contact us

Email

Appointments: [email protected]

Nurse specialists: [email protected]

We aim to respond to emails within 2 working days

Phone

Appointments: 020 7188 4242

Nurse specialists: 020 7188 5973

Consultants: 020 7188 4249

Addresses

Cancer Centre, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT

We're open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday at the Cancer Centre at Guy's.

Guy's Cancer at Queen Mary's Hospital, Frognal Avenue, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6LT

We're open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday at Queen Mary's Hospital.

Do you have any comments or concerns about your care?

Contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Is this page useful?