We diagnose, treat and support people with suspected or confirmed cancer across Bolton, providing compassionate, expert care from referral to recovery. A team of specialists work closely together to coordinate your tests, diagnosis and treatments so that you receive the care you need as quickly as possible.
Who we care for
We care for adults aged 18 and over, supporting you and your family from initial referral and diagnosis through treatment, follow‑up care and ongoing wellbeing support.
How to access the service
If your GP refers you with suspected cancer, we will arrange to see you as quickly as possible. If concerns are identified during routine screening or while you are being treated for another condition, our specialist teams will refer you into our cancer services.
The journey through our cancer service
- You will be referred and have your first appointment as soon as possible.
- Depending on the area of concern, you will see one of our specialists in clinic at Royal Bolton Hospital.
- You may have tests, scans or small procedures to help us understand what the problem is. This could include X‑rays, detailed scans, camera tests or biopsies.
Reviewing the results
Our team of specialists will review your results and explain what they show. If cancer is diagnosed, we will discuss the next steps and agree a personalised care plan.
Treatment
Cancer treatments vary depending on the type of cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy or targeted therapies. Chemotherapy takes place in our Churchill Oncology Unit, supported by specialist nurses.
Recovering from cancer
Every cancer journey is different. After treatment, we will guide you to local and specialist support so that you never have to manage your recovery alone.
Our cancer teams
We have specialist teams caring for different cancers, including:
- Breast
- Gastrointestinal (GI)
- Gynaecological
- Haematology
- Head & Neck
- Lung
- Skin
- Urology
Bowel Cancer Screening
We invite people aged 60–74 for bowel cancer screening every two years, through the Bolton Screening Centre.
For more information, please visit our Bowel Cancer Screening page.
Breast Cancer Screening
We invite women aged 50-70 for breast cancer screening every three years, across Bolton, Bury and Rochdale as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
For more information, please visit our Breast Screening page.
Where we are
Most appointments take place at Royal Bolton Hospital. Details about the clinic or department will be included in your appointment letter.
Support for you and your family
We work closely with Macmillan and local cancer support organisations to offer emotional, practical and financial guidance.