Cancer pathways

[patfreeman007]

Hello 👋, I’ve had emphysema for the past 4 1/2 years, and now my Doctor is referring me to the cancer pathway, does anyone know what that means please

[2greys]

Good morning. I am assuming you are resident in the UK. I do not wish to cause any anxiety or undue worry but this is what I have found.

A Cancer Pathway is the PATIENT’s journey from the initial suspicion of cancer through Clinical Investigations, PATIENT DIAGNOSIS and treatment.

datadictionary.nhs.uk/nhs_b...

I see this as an educational support system to avoid what can be a a very blunt and heavy shock of being told rather coldly "You have Cancer" and then left to your own devices afterwards. This happened to me, even though I had prepared myself for it with a lot of technical reading and knew they were monitoring me for Cancer because they had found multiple Lung Nodules previously, I left that follow up appointment in a rather confused and dazed state and then had to do my own research on the various treatment options.

It does NOT mean you have cancer, as a formal diagnosis has not been made. Those with COPD, which includes Emphysema, have a higher risk factor of Lung Cancer than those who do not have COPD.

I am three years on from my treatment of Radiotherapy, I have been told that they have probably cured me, I have another two years of monitoring before hopefully being declared Cancer free. I also have stage four Emphysema.

Good luck for the future and remember do try to not worry as worry can also make you very ill, Cancer can be cured especially when found at an early stage.

[Hidden]

Hi Pat,

This will either be for assessment and diagnosis or for after care (cancer related).

If you search google put in the words "cancer pathways" followed by NHS England, N Ireland, Wales or Scotland whichever area you are living in.

If you are not living in the UK, put in the area and country you reside for local information.

Look after yourself

Best wishes BK