FAQs

A diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming, you and your family may be experiencing lots of emotions and have many questions. It may be helpful to think about these questions, write them down and bring them to your next appointment with your 

Your biopsy results show if it’s cancer and what type of cancer it is. If you have any questions 

Extra tests help doctors understand your cancer better to decide best treatment options. Scans and blood tests can also monitor your progress, these steps make sure your care is right for you.

Yes, you can ask for a second opinion. Talk to your cancer team or GP who can sign post you on for further advice. 

You should see details of your pending appointments in your My Care. For access and more information use this link. If you don’t have access you will be sent a letter.

You can find more information on your first appointment  within the education area or by clicking here.

Appointment times can vary, its best to allow plenty of time for parking as well as for the appointment itself.

You can find more information on preparing for appointments  within the education area or by clicking here.

You might have more than one appointment. This depends on how many tests you need and what each test requires. It’s a good idea to get ready for these appointments. For example, you might need to take time off work, or plan around other things you do. Click here for more info

If you’re expecting another appointment or test but don’t see anything booked, contact your hospital appointments team or your cancer team.

If you will need some support at your consultation, let your cancer team know as soon as possible. They can arrange language support or an advocate to help you understand what’s happening. You can also bring a trusted friend or family member if you prefer. Click here for more info.

Yes, MY CARE gives you a snapshot of your Royal Devon medical record. If you need a full copy, you must submit a Release of Information request. This process takes some time because it is done manually.

This will be either in a face to face consultation or telephone call followed by a letter. Click here for more info

Some test results don’t appear in MY CARE because they need reviewing by your cancer team first. These results are released manually by your cancer team, based on the type of test, not the outcome. Click here for more info.

You can find your cancer team’s details, emergency numbers, out‑of‑hours contacts, and support information in the Education section.

You can find more information on travel and parking costs by clicking here.

Yes. If you have a cancer diagnosis, you can get free NHS prescriptions. Click here for more info.

You can find more information on benefits and financial support by clicking here.

FORCE money advisers can give you free and confidential advice. They can help you find out what benefits or financial support you might get. Click here for more info.

Yes, if you feel well enough you can still work while living with cancer, but it depends on your health, treatment plan, and the type of work you do. Click here for more info.

Yes, you can in many cases — but it depends on your health, your treatment plan, and what your cancer team advises. Click here for more info

Your treatment start date depends on your cancer type, test results, and the plan agreed with your cancer team. Some treatments begin quickly, while others need time for planning. Your team will explain the timeline and keep you updated. If you’re worried about delays, contact your cancer team for advice. Click here for more info.

You can find more information on preparing for your treatment within the education area or by clicking here

This depends on your treatment. Some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy, are usually done as outpatient appointments, which means you go home the same day. Your cancer team will tell you what will happen for your treatment. Click here for more info.

Most cancer treatments can cause side effects. These can be different for each person and depend on the type of treatment you have. Your cancer team will tell you what side effects you might get and how to manage them. Always tell your cancer team if you notice something that worries you. Click here for more info

Yes, cancer clinical trials are widely available in the UK and globally. Talk to your cancer team who can advise if a trial is suitable for your cancer type and refer you to a our research team. Click here for more info.

Sometimes it can be hard to find the right words. Here are some simple tips to help you share your news with care and confidence. For more support, please visit your local cancer centre.

Cancer treatment can sometimes affect your ability to have children. If having children is important to you, talk to your cancer team before treatment starts. You may have options like freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos. Click here for more info.

Your local cancer centres often offer free support and counselling, ask your cancer team for more information.  National charities may offer online support. Click here for more info.

Yes. It is normal to feel worried before scans or to feel shocked after being told you have cancer. Talking to someone you trust, your cancer team, a support group, or a counsellor may help.  For more support, speak to your cancer team or Click here for more info.

Looking after yourself can really help. Try to eat a varied, healthy diet, stop smoking if you can, and stay active in ways that feel comfortable for you. Gentle activities like yoga, relaxation, or other calming exercises may also help. Always check with your cancer team before making changes or starting anything new. Click here for more info.

You may be offered and referred for support before treatment, we call this pre-habilitation. If you are offered please attend to prevent delays in your treatment and give yourself the best outcome. Click here for more info.

There isn’t a special diet for cancer. But eating different types of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains is good for your health. Some cancer treatments can change what you can eat. If this happens, talk to your cancer team. Click here for more info.

Alcohol can interact with some cancer medicines and may affect recovery. For further help and advice talk to your cancer team. Click here for more info.