Breast Screening Service Advice Needed

Public Archive
1

Hi there.
I found a lump earlier this week and have been examined by my doctor today. He is making a refferal to a breast screening service and said that they are usually quite quick to see patients.
I’m just wondering if anyone can shed any light on waiting times for initial screening clinics and results waiting times?
Very grateful for any input at all.
Regards,
Bea

2

Hi Bea
I believe the waiting time depends on whether you are referred as ‘urgent’ or ‘non urgent’. At the hospital I go to, a consultant reads all the referrals from the GPs and decides from those. I think it is usually quite quick - I was seen on Monday, two and a half weeks after my initial referral. It may be worth ringing the hospital and asking on wait times.
Results wise - again, this depends on the hospital I think. I had an ultrasound which obviously you can see at the time and a core needle biopsy, the results of which I get tomorrow morning (three days after test).
Hope that helps a bit; I know that the waiting and uncertainty is terrible.

Good luck.
xx

3

Hi Bea,

I went to see my GP on Monday and have been referred to the Breast Clinic. I have been told I will be seen within two weeks.

However, as Caz says above it probably depends on the nature of the case and the hospital or clinic in question.

Hope you get referred soon.

Cx

4

Hi Bea

You may find it useful to read the BCC publication on ‘referral to a breast clinic’, it gives information about what to expect.

If you would like a copy just go to the following link:-

breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/referral_redesign__final_14_feb_08_0.pdf

I hope this helps.

Kind regards Sam (BCC Facilitator)

5

Hi there again!
Thanks to all for the replys, very useful. I guess it’s one of those situations when you get referred then through the shock think of a million things afterwards :slight_smile:
Caz and C good luck with all :slight_smile:
Sam thanks very much for the link :slight_smile:
Good luck with everything guy’s and thanks for the replies so much, really has helped me :slight_smile:

6

Hi Bea, just taken a look at your post,I was seen within 10 days i do think you will be seen within 2 weeks. Hope it goes well
Helenx

7

Hi Helen!
Thanks for your reply.
I got a call the day after the doctors with an appointment for this Thursday! I was very, very relieved and happy with the speed of this to be honest.
Still not too sure what to expect but at least I am being seen sooner rather than later!
Still a lot to take in though :slight_smile:
Thanks again and good luck with everything :slight_smile:

8

Hi Bea

Try to be positive it can make you ill just waiting for an appointment. I am not a fan of the NHS and unfortunately when I called my GP to make sure the referal letter had been sent off it was still sitting on someone’s desk! I couldnt wait or depend on a quick appointment via my GP. If you havent got medical insurance you can contact your local Nuffield Hospital and get a breast consultant to examine literally on the same day…if you cant wait Thurs…Remember 90% of lumps found are benign…Good Luck and all the best with your appointment…Ally xx

9

Hey Ally!
Thanks for the post :slight_smile:
I have checked out the BUPA service just in case, really useful so thank you, I had no idea this existed :slight_smile:
I have my appointment today and am terrified, cried all night last night but like you said I am trying to stay positive and keep in mind that most cases are found to be benign :slight_smile:
I have no idea what to expect really apart from what I have read so i’m not sure if I will find out today or not but I will update later :slight_smile:
Many thanks again for the advice really appreciated :slight_smile:
Bea xx