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Anna's story

“Bupa fast tracked me to a specialist”

Anna, 62, breast cancer survivor.

Search Google: nipple discharge. The first time Anna investigated her symptoms she looked online and the results suggested breast cancer. Panic. Anna knew she needed to talk to a health professional fast, but struggled to book a GP appointment at her local practice. Rather than wait to see a GP, she used her Bupa health insurance to call our Direct Access team straight away.

That all important first call.

Breast cancers found early need less treatment and are more likely to be cured1 . That’s why we act quickly. Anna was able to call us first, have her symptoms assessed over the phone using national clinical guidance and, due to the nature of her symptoms, get a referral to a consultant there and then. With clear advice and an appointment scheduled in the next five days, we helped to ease the worrying wait.

Fast diagnosis and treatment within weeks.

Following an examination by the consultant, a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy all in one day under the same roof – Anna was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. Getting answers sooner rather than later meant that she could move forward and focus on dealing with her diagnosis. Four weeks later, Anna was recovering from her surgery at home with her husband and whippet.

Helping Anna get back to feeling like herself.

Everyone’s experience of cancer is different. Anna admits, “you just don’t know how you’ll cope when it happens to you. Sometimes I didn’t want to talk, but I knew the Bupa oncology nurses were there if I needed them.” Knowing that we were there with expert advice, understanding and vital support was a reassurance for her. “Speaking to them actually cheered me up and we often had a giggle.”

Find out more about direct access for cancer

This quote reflects the specific experience of one customer (as told to us in November 2018). The cover you choose will be subject to specific terms and conditions that may apply to your policy. Pre-existing conditions are normally excluded.

Hear from some of our members

Our members are at the centre of our purpose and drive what we do. Below some stories that highlight how we have helped members get back to being themselves, giving them access to support and medical expertise as soon as they need it.

If you'd like to share your Bupa story, please get in touch. Please email your details to [email protected] and we'll get back in contact with you.

1Source: https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/getting-diagnosed/finding-breast-cancer-early

Any onward referrals for consultations, tests or treatment are subject to the benefits and exclusions of your cover. For example, if your cover excludes conditions you had before your cover started, we may ask for further information from your GP. Please check your guide and certificate for further details or contact us to check your eligibility.

Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.

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You can find independent information about the quality and cost of private treatment available from doctors and hospitals from the Private Healthcare Information Network: www.phin.org.uk

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