My mum has incurable lung cancer and started medication a few weeks ago, today she had a scan to see if it has spread by they’ve told her the results can take 6 weeks? Surely this is too long to wait?
My mum has incurable lung cancer and started medication a few weeks ago, today she had a scan to see if it has spread by they’ve told her the results can take 6 weeks? Surely this is too long to wait?
Hi Sunshine8005
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Sherrye and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I can see you’ve joined one of our cancer forums I do hope you’re finding it a supportive and informative place.
I’m very sorry to hear that your mum has incurable lung cancer and is currently awaiting scan results to see if the cancer has spread. Waiting on test results can bring on feelings of anxiety and worry as you can feel like there is no control over what’s happening.
I understand that your mum was told the results may take up to 6 weeks to be available, this wait understandably won't help with any anxiety or worry you and mum may be feeling.
The time it can take to get scan results back can vary depending on the type of scan performed, whether the scan was requested as urgent or routine and how many scan report are already waiting to be done.
The information on the NHS website states that the results for a CT scan or a MRI scan generally take around 2-4 weeks to be back but can be quicker if the scan is urgent.
Normally if you’ve heard nothing by the 4 week mark we’d encourage you to contact the consultant or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). However as you’ve already been told it could take up to 6 weeks, I’d encourage a conversation with mum’s CNS sooner as they can give you more information on why the wait is 6 weeks at this time, check if the scan was ordered as urgent and can chase the results.
It may also be a good idea to have a chat with mum about how she would like to receive her results and let her CNS know, would she be ok with a phone call or would she prefer a face-to-face appointment. Her CNS can make it clear on the system your mum’s preference.
During this time of uncertainty, you may find it helpful to talk things through in person. If so you are welcome to call the Macmillan Support Line with speak with us, we are always happy to take your call.
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.
Best wishes,
Sherrye H,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm), send us an email or contact us through webchat.
Ref SH/HG
