Referral to hospital

This page is about what to expect if you have been referred to King’s College Hospital because your GP thinks you may have cancer. For a lot of people we see, tests show that their symptoms are caused by something other than cancer. But it is important to get checked out as soon as possible.

If your symptoms do not meet the referral criteria for other cancer or specialist services, your GP or hospital doctors may refer you to a Rapid Diagnostic Clinic.

There is a different referrals process for children and young people. If they are referred here, they will be cared for at the Variety Children’s Hospital @ King’s.

If you are a referrer, please see our cancer page for referrers.

How to get here

We work in partnership as part of South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA). This means you may be seen at a hospital closer to home for some or all of your care.

When you book your appointments, we will tell you which hospital to come to. Please visit the relevant hospital website below for information about directions and getting around:

What happens at your first appointment

Your first appointment may be an outpatient appointment in a clinic, via a telephone call or you may be invited for a diagnostic test such as a scan or endoscopy procedure. You may have multiple tests over the course of several days. We aim to provide you with a diagnosis within 28 days. Depending on the types of the tests you have, you may receive the results by letter, telephone call or in an outpatient appointment.

The hospital can be busy. You may have to wait for your appointment or test when you attend.

The cancer types section has more information about tests and treatments.

Preparing for your appointment

What to bring to your appointment

Your appointment letter.
A list of medications you are taking, including medicines you have been prescribed by your doctor or other specialist together with any alternative or herbal remedies and anything you have bought over the counter
A written list of questions you would like to ask
Consider asking a relative or friend to come with you. They can help support you, and help you understand and remember the information we give you.

What to wear

You may need an examination, so we advise women to wear something simple to slip off, such as trousers or a skirt, rather than a dress
A member of staff of the same sex will remain with you if you need an intimate examination.