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Your treatment

Being referred for tests or waiting for a diagnosis can be a worrying and uncertain time. An urgent suspected cancer referral does not mean that you have cancer – most people referred this way will not receive a cancer diagnosis.

This page brings together information to help you understand what may happen next, from an urgent referral and tests through to diagnosis and treatment, if you need it.

This section explains the different types of cancer treatment available across Thames Valley and how you can access care, support and information during your treatment journey. Your treatment will depend on the type of cancer you have and your personal circumstances. Your hospital team will explain what to expect and how to prepare

What happens once you have been referred for further tests?

Find out more in our leaflet: Patient information for urgent suspected cancer referrals

Worried about money?

Free, confidential money and welfare advice is available for people affected by cancer in participating areas. Visit: Macmillan Money and More

Self-Administration of Cancer Medicines (SACT)

Some cancer treatments can now be given safely at home by injection under the skin. This is known as self-administration of systemic anti-cancer therapy  or SACT .
If your care team recommends this option, you’ll be fully trained and supported to give your treatment confidently at home. Learn more and access step-by-step guides and resources here.

Patient information materials:

Short animated films

These have been created by healthcare professionals for patients across the Thames Valley. Wherever you receive your care these videos are designed to give you helpful information about things you may experience during your treatment.

Immunotherapy: A guide

Mucositus: A guide

Neutropenia: A guide

Diarrhoea: A guide

Treatment videos

Made by Oxford University Hospitals Trust, here are useful guides for patients going through these treatments. In the videos, reference is made to a helpline, but this is for patients at the Oxford Hospital. Other hospitals have their own helplines and details of these can be found at the bottom of the page.

Having surgery for breast cancer:

Taking oral systemic anti-cancer therapy:

Taking Enzalutamide for Prostate Cancer: 

Hospital contact details

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust:

  • Contact Triage on 01865 572192 (24/7)
  • For general enquiries please contact 01865 235185

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust:

  • Contact Triage 0118 322 7762 (24/7)

Buckingham Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust:

  • Between 8:00 am -6:00 pm contact Triage on 01296315139
  • Out of hours contact numbers:
  • Oncology  – 01865 572192 (Oxford Triage service 24/7)
  • Haematology – 01296 316336

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

  • Contact Triage on 07769365360

Great Western Hospital:

  • For general enquiries: 01793 604347
  • 24 hour emergency triage line numbers-
  • 9:00-5:00, 7 days a week: 01793 604348
  • Out of hours: 01793 604400-Dove Ward

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust:

  • Contact Triage on 01907660033 and ask for bleep 1090 (24/7)
  • For General Enquiries please contact the Chemotherapy Day Unit on 01908 996561