Appointments
Rapid diagnostic clinic (concern for cancer)
How to get an appointment
Your GP can refer you to the rapid diagnostic clinic (cancer) if you have vague symptoms concerning for cancer.
All referrals are assessed by a clinician to make sure they are suitable for our service.
Changing or cancelling your appointment
- Phone: 020 7188 0359
- Email: gst-tr.rapidaccessdiagnosticclinic@nhs.net
Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot come to your appointment so we can offer it to someone else.
Before your appointment
Please bring:
- any tablets and medicines you are taking, or a list of them
- details and medical letters from any recent tests or investigations you’ve had from your GP or other hospitals
Our admin team will contact you to arrange a face-to-face appointment.
The clinic is based in the genetics department at Guy's Hospital, but please note we are not a genetics clinic.
You will need a physical examination, wearing loose fitting and comfortable clothing is helpful.
You can bring someone with you for support during your appointment. If you do not have anyone to help with transport or translation, please contact our:
If you require an interpreter, please let our admin team know when arranging your appointment. They will request an interpreter to attend your appointment. A telephone interpreter may be used if necessary.
You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment.
During your appointment
Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. We have limited space in the waiting room so please do not arrive more than 30 minutes early.
When you arrive, we'll ask for information about your GP and next of kin. This is to keep our records up to date.
You’ll see a doctor or nurse. They'll:
- ask you some questions
- examine you
- talk about any tests you need. This usually includes blood and urine samples. Some people also need an X-ray or heart tracing (electrocardiogram). These will be done on the day
We'll talk to you about any more tests that might be needed and organise them. This can include:
You'll be contacted with appointment details for these tests by the relevant department.
You need to be available throughout the diagnostic process. This can take up to 28 days. It may be longer if you need further tests.
After your appointment
We'll follow-up with you either by telephone or back at the clinic once we have the results of your tests.
You'll be given a treatment plan. This will depend on the results of your tests and investigations but can include:
- referral back to your GP with recommendations on your care
- referral to another clinical team for treatment
- more tests and investigations
We'll send you and your GP a clinic discharge letter with all your results and treatment plan.
Last updated: May 2025