Get Checked Early

If you are worried about any potential symptoms, or have noticed an unusual or persistent change in your body, the best thing to do is to contact your GP practice. It’s probably nothing to worry about but if it is cancer, the earlier it’s found, the better. When cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is often easier and more likely to be effective. For example, 9 out of 10 people survive bowel cancer when it’s diagnosed early.

In general, outcomes are much better these days. In fact, almost twice as many people survive cancer today compared to 20 years ago.* So, if you’re worried about any potential symptoms, your doctor wants to see you.

For more information, symptom checker and real stories, see the Get Checked Early website.

Referrals for Suspected Cancer

Patients who are concerned about symptoms which could indicate cancer should initially present to their own GP. A number of investigations can be carried out within Primary/Community Care service. Some patients may need to be referred to hospital for further investigation, and this should be co-ordinated by the GP.

If you have been referred to hospital, please see our Urgent Hospital Referral page for more information.

Contacts

Oncology
Forth Valley Royal Hospital Stirling Road
Larbert
FK5 4WR

Phone: 01324 566300

The oncology department are based in the Oncology Unit Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert. The oncology team work closely with hospital consultants, and primary care. The oncology team are available Monday to Friday, 8 – 5pm for all enquires.

Post chemotherapy contact your own GP if you cannot wait until the following day.

• Find local GPs and other services

Maggie’s Centre

Maggie’s Forth Valley, in the grounds of Forth Valley Royal Hospital, provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends. Maggie’s Centres, run by an independent charity, complement the work of the NHS. Our specialist staff offer one-to-one advice as well as group sessions, workshops and courses aimed at helping to address the physical and psychological impact of living with cancer. No appointment is necessary.

The Centre is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Phone: 01324 868069
Email: forthvalley@maggiescentres.org
Website: maggies.org

Support After Cancer – Macmillan

Patients across Forth Valley who have recently undergone treatment for cancer now have access to a new service which offers follow up support and advice.

NHS Forth Valley is the first NHS Board in Scotland to pilot this new service which is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and delivered by a team of community care nurses and healthcare support workers.

Working with patients on an individual basis means the team are able to help deal with any financial, physical or emotional issues that arise following treatment and can also signpost people to other services such as local money advice organisations, cancer charities and carers support services.

To find out more about the Macmillan One to One Project phone 01324 832921 or 07884112979 (Tuesdays and Fridays), email fv.maconesupport@nhs.scot or speak to your GP, district nurse or consultant.

Useful Links

• Get Checked Early
• Macmillan Cancer Support
• NHS Inform – Cancer Zone 
• Maggie’s
• Breast Cancer Now
• The Beatson