Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Your patient-centered gynaecology cancer follow-up information
Patient Information Leaflet
Introduction
This information is for patients on our patient centred follow-up service. Traditionally after treatment, the gynaecology team see patients for 2-5 years as follow up. In recent times we have introduced a new system.
You have been given with this leaflet to explain self-management which we are encouraging for patients who have been treated for cancer. We would like you to consider which method of follow-up you would prefer, and we will give you a call in 2-3 weeks to discuss this with you.
Evidence shows that symptoms and concerns are addressed more quickly if patients report them as and when they occur, rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
What is self-management follow-up?
Self-management is a new type of follow-up at our Trust. It is where routine, clinical examination-type appointments are replaced by a system where patients can call us if they have a problem, so that they do not have to attend hospital when they are feeling well and are symptom free.
Why has this been introduced?
We have introduced self-management follow-up as this has been shown to be beneficial for patients. It means that you do not have to make unnecessary trips to the hospital when you are feeling well.
Patients often find that clinical appointments can be a source of anxiety and can lead to them being tempted to put off reporting worrying signs, as the next appointment is ‘not too far away’. Most problems are identified by patients themselves in between routine appointments.
Is The Dudley Group the only trust to have this way of follow-up?
No, although it may be called different things in other hospitals. More and more hospitals across the country are changing to this way of patient focused follow-up.
What information will I be given?
You will be given information on:
- The treatment you have had and how to be body aware
- Signs and symptoms to report
- The process that will be used to get you back into the appropriate clinic swiftly
Will I still be able to access the gynaecology service in the event of any concerns?
Yes. You will still be able to call the specialist nurses on the dedicated helpline number. You will either speak to a nurse or be called back during these times. There is an answerphone facility at all other times where you will be asked to leave your name, date of birth, hospital number and a brief message, and you will be called back the next working day.
Signs and symptoms of concern
- Any vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Any rectal bleeding
- Bleeding after sex
- Leaking of urine or faeces (poo)
- Change in appetite
- Any unexplained loss of weight
- Change in bowel habit
- Persistent bloating/abdominal (tummy) swelling
- Unexpected, prolonged pain in pelvic and/or back area
- New swelling in the groin area
- Discomfort or swelling under the ribs or abdomen
- New shortness of breath
- Unexplained swelling of either leg
- Any new persistent pain in the bones that does not improve with painkillers
- Any new neurological symptoms like pins and needles, loss of sensation in the arms or legs, weakness in the arms or legs, loss of bladder control **This must be reported immediately as it may suggest spinal cord compression, and this needs immediate assessment
Anything that feels ‘different’ from your normal – please contact us.
Your specialist nurse team will talk through your symptoms with you, any concerns that you have, and if necessary, arrange for you to attend clinic quickly along with any tests that may be deemed necessary.
You will remain under close surveillance, and this gives you the opportunity to develop follow up in an individually focused framework with your management tailored to what is important to you and is flexible to meet your needs as your journey goes on.
How do I contact the Gynaecology specialist team?
Please call 01384 244355
The line is open Monday – Friday, 8am to 4.30pm
Should you require immediate support at the weekend or bank holidays, please contact your GP out of hours service or NHS 111 for advice.
If you feel you need more immediate attention, please attend your local Emergency Department and present your treatment summary to the team who can work with other clinical teams to support you.
Continuing to support you.
If you change your address or contact numbers, please let your specialist team know so that we can continue to contact you for the first five years after your diagnosis. After this point, you will be discharged to your GP.
What other services are available?
- Living With and Beyond Cancer
Meetings are held every month at Russells Hall Hospital, please contact 01384 456111, extension 5315.
- The White House Cancer Support
The White House Cancer Support is a registered charity which provides practical help and emotional support to people with cancer, their families, friends, and carers. They offer transport, one-to-one counselling, a cancer care helpline, a cancer information centre, complementary therapies, home and hospital visits, social activities and they have a range of support groups for specific cancers.
The White House, 10 Ednam Road, Dudley, DY1 1JX – 01384 231232 info@support4cancer.org.uk www.support4cancer.org.uk
- Cancer Research UK
0808 800 4040
- Macmillan Cancer Support
0808 808 0000
- Look Good Feel Better
01372 747 500
- NHS Choices
If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet. If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net
This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.
Originator: Gynaecology cancer team. Date reviewed: April 2024 . Review date: January 2027. Version:2 DGH ref.: DGH/PIL/02195