If you have been referred to St Helier Hospital by your GP with suspected cancer, you will initially be assessed in the "two-week rule" clinic. As the name suggests, this will involve seeing a consultant and having the necessary tests, such as blood and/or ultrasound within two weeks of the referral. Most women referred to the clinic do NOT have cancer and can be rapidly reassured.
Other investigations, such as CT scan or hysteroscopy (where a fine telescope is passed inside the womb through the cervix = natural opening to the womb), or even a biopsy can be taken in clinic or under a general anaesthetic in the day surgery unit.
If you do have cancer diagnosed, the results of your scans, biopsies and other investigations will be discussed at the weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting at the Royal Marsden Hospital. Here a group of specialist cancer and gynaecological consultants will look at your case and devise an individual treatment plan.
Any necessary surgery will then take place at the Royal Marsden, St Helier, St George's or Epsom hospitals. Follow-up appointments will take place in the appropriate joint cancer clinic. Any further chemotherapy or radio-therapy usually takes place at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
