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