Cancer tests at Spire Harpenden Hospital

If you have symptoms that indicate you may have cancer, your doctor is likely to order a series of tests to help confirm a diagnosis. In most cases, cancer is not detected and you can get back to your normal everyday life. But testing is the only way to be sure and if it turns out that you do need further treatment you should start this as soon as possible to give yourself the best possible chance of a full recovery.

During your initial appointment with a Spire consultant, you will discuss your medical history and any symptoms you've been experiencing.

We offer a wide range of diagnostic tests including blood samples and imaging such as CT, MRI scanning and endoscopy. Endoscopy is a procedure that examines the inside of your digestive tract using a flexible tube with a light and camera attached.

Laboratory analysis of blood, stool and tissue samples might also be used as part of your testing.

Other tests include PSA and PCA3 testing for prostate cancer, CA125 testing for ovarian cancer and CEA for lung, colon, bowel, testicular and pancreas cancer. Urine analysis can be conducted to help detect bladder and kidney cancer.

Histological (microscopic) analysis of a biopsy or small tissue sample is also common. These tests are conducted by taking a small sample of tissue for analysis in our laboratories.

We pride ourselves on our clinical excellence, you'll be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. 

All of our specialists are of the highest standard and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our specialists often hold NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After your test, we will discuss the findings with you in a follow-up appointment or send the results to the doctor who requested the test. We take an integrated approach so we can help organise any other care that you may need should your test results show something abnormal.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.