Cancer

Cancer Support & Information

Supporting You Every Step of the Way

At Coventry GP, we understand that concerns about cancer can feel worrying and overwhelming — whether you are experiencing symptoms, awaiting tests, supporting a loved one or living with a cancer diagnosis.

Our team is here to provide compassionate support, timely assessment and guidance towards the most appropriate care and services.

Early Diagnosis Matters

Many cancers are more treatable when diagnosed early. It is important to seek medical advice if you experience symptoms that are persistent, unusual or worsening.

Symptoms that should be assessed by a clinician may include:

Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue
Ongoing pain
Changes in bowel habit
Unexplained bleeding
New lumps or swellings
Persistent cough
Difficulty swallowing
Changes in moles or skin lesions

Most symptoms will not be caused by cancer, but it is important to seek assessment if symptoms persist.

Do Not Ignore Persistent Symptoms

If something does not feel right, please seek medical advice.

Most symptoms are not caused by cancer, but early assessment can help provide reassurance or allow earlier diagnosis and treatment where needed.

Submit a Medical Request

NHS Cancer Screening

Screening Saves Lives

NHS screening programmes can help detect some cancers early, often before symptoms develop.

Cervical Screening

Women and people with a cervix aged 25–64 are invited for regular cervical screening appointments.

Breast Screening

Women aged 50–71 are routinely invited for breast screening every 3 years.

Bowel Cancer Screening

Everyone aged 50–74 is offered bowel cancer screening every 2 years using a home FIT test kit.

Patients aged over 75 can request a bowel screening kit by calling the NHS bowel screening helpline.

Lung Cancer Screening

In some areas, including Coventry and Warwickshire, eligible patients aged 55–74 with a history of smoking may be invited for lung health checks and CT screening.

Learn More About NHS Screening

Contact the Practice

Cancer Support Services

Living With and Beyond Cancer

Emotional Wellbeing & Practical Support

A cancer diagnosis can affect emotional wellbeing, family life, work and finances.

Support is available for:

Anxiety and emotional distress
Counselling and wellbeing support
Carer support
Financial and benefits advice
Returning to work guidance
Bereavement support

Many patients and families find it helpful to access support services alongside their medical treatment.

Ongoing Support After Treatment

Many people continue to need support after cancer treatment has finished.

Support may include:

Monitoring and follow-up
Symptom management
Emotional wellbeing support
Lifestyle and wellbeing advice
Fatigue management
Rehabilitation and recovery support

Our team will continue to support patients throughout their recovery and ongoing care.

Supporting Families and Carers

Cancer can affect the whole family, not only the person receiving treatment.

Family members and carers may also benefit from:

Emotional support
Practical advice
Information about services
Carer support organisations
Bereavement services

We encourage carers and family members to seek support if needed.

Support, Services and Helplines

Many people find that having a network of friends, family and support services helps them to cope with the impact of a cancer diagnosis.

A support group may suit you if you’d like to discuss your experience with other people who’ve been diagnosed with cancer. Your GP or specialist doctor or nurse will be able to put you in touch with suitable local groups.

Macmillan

If you’re affected by cancer, why not telephone or drop-in to the Macmillan Information and Support Centre where you can obtain free high quality information and support in confidence.

We offer one-to-one support on all aspects of living with cancer and can signpost you to complementary therapies, counselling, benefits advice and self-help and support. Find us in the main entrance of the hospital.

Services available include:

Emotional support
Benefits advice
Counselling signposting
Support groups
Practical guidance
Living well with cancer support

“It’s important to remember that people with cancer have two main needs: physical and emotional. It’s with emotional care that the voluntary sector can really make a difference.”
“Cancer is our job, we know all about it and exactly what help you can get and where you can get support from.”
Stuart Danskin, Senior Cancer Information Nurse at Macmillan Cancer Support