Appointments
Gynaecological cancer
We offer appointments:
How to get an appointment
Ask your GP to refer you to our service.
If you have symptoms that might be caused by cancer, your GP can refer you under the 2-week wait (2WW) system. You'll be seen quicker at our 'rapid access clinic'.
More than 9 out of 10 (90%) people referred to us through the 2WW system do not have cancer. Most have non-cancerous (benign) conditions.
Changing or cancelling your appointment
For appointments at our rapid access clinic, please call 020 7188 0902.
If you’re running late for an appointment at our rapid access clinic, please call 020 7188 7188, extension 54177, to let us know.
For appointments in the Cancer Centre at Guy's please:
Before your appointment
Please bring a list of medicines you take.
Your appointment is a good chance to ask any questions you have about your condition and treatment.
It can be useful to write these down before your appointment and list them in order of importance. Bring a pen and paper so you can write down the answers.
If you do not understand any of the answers, please ask us to explain again.
You can bring a friend or relative to your appointment for support. This will also help you take in all of the information.
During your appointment
Rapid access clinic
Please allow up to 3 hours for your first visit to our 'one-stop' rapid access clinic.
You'll have a consultation and examination with a doctor or advanced nurse practitioner. Our nurse specialists may also be there for extra support.
We'll aim to do all the tests and examinations you need on the day. These will depend on your symptoms but can include:
- pelvic examination
- speculum examination of your vagina
- ultrasound scan
- colposcopy
- vulvoscopy, this uses a magnifying glass to look at the surface of your vulva
- hysteroscopy
- biopsy
- blood tests
Sometimes we can give you your results on the same day. If a biopsy is done, it can take a few weeks to get the result. We'll either send you your biopsy results in a letter or give you a phone number to call.
If you need other tests or a follow-up appointment, we'll arrange these for you.
We are a teaching hospital. Students may be present at your appointment. If you don't want students there, please let us know. We'll always respect your wishes.
Appointments at the Cancer Centre at Guy's
You'll be seen by a member of our gynaecological cancer team. Sometimes a nurse specialist will also join your appointment.
After your appointment
We'll send you and your GP a letter saying what we talked about at your appointment and what the next steps are in your treatment.
It is important to us that you feel involved in the decisions being made about your care and treatment. After your examination, the doctor or clinic nurse will be willing to answer any questions. Please ask if you have not understood anything that has been said.
If you need any clinical advice, support or guidance between appointments, please call your nurse specialist on 020 7188 2707.
Your nurse specialist may be able to help by:
- answering your questions and offering written information about your cancer and treatment
- offering emotional and practical support and advice
- helping you to manage any symptoms or side effects of treatment
- offering advice on how to access extra support at home
- supporting you with financial concerns
- offering support to friends, relatives and partners
- referring you for extra support and complementary therapies
