1. Why have I been referred to a breast clinic?
Referred by your GP
Your GP may refer you to a breast clinic if you have a symptom or breast change that needs investigating.
A referral to a breast clinic does not mean you have cancer. You could have normal breast changes or a benign (not cancer) condition, which are both much more common than breast cancer.
However, the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more successful treatment is likely to be. So it’s important to go to your appointment so you can be fully assessed.
GPs follow guidance when deciding whether to refer you to a breast clinic. This guidance also outlines how quickly you should be seen, depending on your symptoms and age.
Guidance differs depending on whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Recalled after a screening mammogram
About 4 in 100 women are called back to a breast clinic after routine screening because they need more tests.
Something that looks unusual on your mammogram may be normal for you once it’s been assessed. Most people recalled for assessment do not have breast cancer.
2. What to expect at your breast clinic appointment
Mammogram and breast ultrasound
Learn about mammograms (breast x-rays), breast ultrasound and other types of imaging used to detect breast changes, and what to expect at yo...
You may need to fill in a short questionnaire before you’re seen by a doctor or specialist nurse. This includes questions about:
- Family history of breast problems
- Medicines you’re taking, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the contraceptive pill
- Previous breast surgery
- Any other existing health problems
You may then have a:
- Breast examination: a doctor or nurse physically checks your breasts
- or
The order in which you have the tests will vary between clinics.
Having a breast examination, breast imaging and a biopsy is known as a triple assessment. This may be necessary to make a diagnosis. However, you may not need to have breast imaging or a biopsy.
Visiting the breast clinic
You can usually take a partner, close friend or relative with you for company or support. Some people prefer to go on their own.
You may want to wear a top that’s easy to remove.
How long will it take?
You may be at the breast clinic for several hours so you can have all the necessary tests.
Your assessment may be done in a one-stop clinic. This is where you have all the tests you need during your visit to the breast clinic.
In some cases, you may be asked to make another appointment to finish your tests.
3. Getting your results
Breast biopsy
Learn more about different types of breast biopsy and how you’ll get your results.
The breast clinic will let you know how and when you’ll get your results. They may ask you to come back for your results, or they may give them to you over the phone or by letter.
If you go back to the breast clinic to get your results, it may be a good idea to have someone with you to offer you support if you need it. They may also think of questions that hadn’t occurred to you and help you remember what the specialist says.
It can also be useful to take a notepad and pen to write down any information you want to remember later.
However you get your results, you should be sent a letter that explains in simple language your results and any treatment you may need. Your GP will be sent a copy of this letter too.
4. Coping with worry
Having investigations for a breast problem can be a worrying and stressful time.
Anxiety can show itself in many ways. You may find it difficult to concentrate, or your eating or sleeping patterns might change.
Everyone has their own ways of managing anxiety. You might find it helps to keep yourself busy or talk through your worries with family and friends.
It may help to remember that most people seen at a breast clinic do not have breast cancer.
If you’re anxious about your results or would like to talk through any concerns, you can call our free helpline – see below.
