Haematology Cancer services

At Homerton, our Haematology Service diagnoses suspected blood cancers (also known as haematology cancers). Blood cancers happen when our blood cells do not grow normally.  
There are different kinds of blood cancers. The most common ones are:

• Leukaemia
• Lymphoma
• Myeloma 

Some rare blood cancers include myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative neoplasms. You can read more about these conditions here: MPN Voice - mpnvoice.org.uk

If your GP (or another healthcare professional) thinks your symptoms need checking for a blood cancer, they can refer you to Homerton. We will carry out tests. If you do have a blood cancer, we may be able to treat you locally or we may need to refer you to one of our partner hospitals for treatment. This is normally at St Bartholemew’s Hospital in the City of London, or the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. The place of treatment will depend on the type of cancer.  
 

 
Being Checked for Cancer - What to Expect at Your First Appointment 
We will send a text message inviting you to come to clinic. This can happen quite soon after your GP refers you to us. Please try to be available.  
Please arrive 15 mins before your appointment time, as you may need to have some tests before seeing the consultant. If we sent you an appointment letter, please bring this, and any medication you are taking.  
We try hard to minimise delays in clinic, but you should allow up to 2 hours for your appointment. If your GP has asked for you to have some blood tests, please make sure these are done before your appointment.  
In the clinic, we will carry out some tests. You may have one or more of the following tests: 
blood tests 
bone marrow biopsy - we take a small sample of bone marrow using a thin needle. We then send this to the lab for a specialist to look at. It may feel a little uncomfortable but is quite quick. You should feel fine after.   
lymph node biopsy - this is when we take a sample from a lymph node - this is a small oval shaped organ that is part of the lymphatic system. It is important for taking away harmful stuff from the body. It also produces white blood cells. 
radiology scans, such as: 
ultrasound - uses sound waves to build up a picture of inside the body. We often use this to check neck lumps.  
X-ray - helps us take pictures of the inside of the body 
CT scan - uses x-rays to take images at different angles inside the body. This is more detailed than a normal x-ray  
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) - a scan that uses a large magnet and radio waves. This gives detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels.  
We aim to carry out all tests and give you the results within 28-days. These types of appointments are part of the NHS Urgent Suspected Cancer Pathway. We are monitored by the Department of Health on this. You can read more about this here: Urgent Suspected Cancer Pathway | Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 
Remember - most patients referred this way do NOT have cancer. But it is important that we check you quickly so you can get the best care, if needed. Please try and attend all your appointments. If you can’t attend, let us know as soon as possible on 020 8510 5099.  
 
Being Treated for Cancer  
If you are diagnosed with cancer, we will arrange for you to be treated at one of our partner hospitals. This is normally St Bartholemew’s Hospital in the City of London, or the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. 
Common types of treatment for blood cancers include: 
Chemotherapy - strong chemicals a used to kill the cancer cells. This is given either by an injection or is taken orally (through the mouth), as a tablet, capsule or liquid. 
Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) - rays (such as x-rays) are used to kill the cancer cells or shrink tumours 
Immunotherapy - this is often used for leukaemia. It uses the body’s immune system to attack the cancer cells 
Targeted therapy - tries not to damage healthy cells while treating cancer cells 
Stem cell transplant (also known as bone marrow transplant) - replaces unhealthy cells with healthy cells. 
Which treatment you can have will depend on the type of blood cancer, your age and overall health.  
A clinician from one of our partner hospitals will discuss the best options for you. Together you will agree a treatment plan. We must arrange for your first treatment within 62 days from the day your GP referred you. 
 
How We Support You 
Clinical Nurse Specialist (‘key worker’) 
The Haematology Service is run by an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and supported by a Macmillan Cancer Pathway Navigator. They are your main point of contact and support while you are under the care of the Haematology team, at Homerton. If you are referred to a different hospital for your care, a Clinical Nurse Specialist at that hospital will continue to care for you.  
Clinical Nurse Specialists/ Advanced Nurse Practitioners run different clinics throughout the week. They offer: 
advice, information and support to patients diagnosed with blood cancer.  
advice on treatment options  
information on any investigations  
referral to another team member  
information on local support groups information on relevant websites and charities 
The Haematology Advanced Nurse Practitioner is Katherine Beverley 
Telephone: 0208 510 7309 
E-mail: Katherine.beverley@nhs.net/ or huh-tr.haematologyadmin@nhs.net 
Mondays - Fridays, 9am-5pm 
If you unable to contact the Advanced Nurse Practitioner, you can also contact the Macmillan Cancer Pathway Navigator. The Navigator supports the nurses in their day-to-day activities. As they are not medically qualified, they are unable to give medical advice.  
Telephone: 020 8510 8969