Later, if cancer is indicated or found, you will have further tests, to find out what type of cancer you have, how large the cancer is, and whether it has spread. The results of these tests will guide your treatment.

Your consent

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must get your consent.

The first tests

Your GP will ask you questions about your symptoms, talk to you about your medical history, and may give you a physical examination. She or he may look for signs of jaundice, or feel your abdomen (the pelvis or belly) for swelling or tenderness.

Your GP may take a sample of your blood for testing. This may also be done at the hospital. A blood test can confirm whether you have jaundice. A test can also show how well your liver is working. It can also find out if you have unusually high levels of proteins that are produced by tumours.

Your GP may decide to send you to see a specialist at a hospital for further tests and investigation. If your GP suspects you may have cancer, there are cancer referral guidelines to help your GP decide who may need to see a specialist, and how quickly.

At hospital, you are likely to have one or more of these tests: