to insist on an urgent appointment for a breast lump

[SomebodysMum]

I found a breast lump a couple of weeks ago, was just about to start my period so waited a while in case it was due to hormonal changes. Checked yesterday and it’s still there.

I called the GP this morning to ask for an GP callback and was told that because it’s not painful I can’t get an urgent call so will have to wait for the next routine one which is 11 days away.

I am freaking out about it. Is it really normal to wait that long for a GP appointment for a breast lump?! I found a lump a couple of years ago and at that time I was given a same day appointment then an urgent referral to breast clinic. That was with a different GP surgery though.

I’m 37 in case that makes a difference.

AIBU to call them back and insist on an urgent appointment? And lie and say it’s become painful if I have to in order to speak to a GP?

No that’s too long. You need to ring back and say you need to speak to someone today.
Don’t say it’s painful, just say you are worried and need to speak to a GP today.

We always speak to/ see patients and refer with a breast lump that day/week (only referring if needed of course).

Far, far too long. The GP needs to see you today and to get you referred to the breast clinic. I’d expect to be seen in the clinic within two weeks, so waiting 11 days to see the GP is outrageous. I cannot believe they’ve done that to you. Awful.

I'd have said it was urgent too. Call back.

Don't lie and pretend it's painful when it's not

Hope it's nothing serious

Well I did have breast cancer at 39 and it wasn’t painful at all so I think you would be right to insist on quick appointment. I hope it’s nothing serious!

You should be referred to a breast clinic within 2 weeks of seeing a GP. 11 days is too long, get back on the phone.

If it's anything like when this happened to me, the GP refers you to the hospital anyway. I would push for a quicker appointment.

If really worried there are clinics where you can self refer for a scan privately. If you can afford it it would be worth doing this. They will then send results to your gp.

I have called them back and accidentally cried at them a little bit. A GP is going to call me back this morning.

Thanks everyone.

I was in your situation earlier this year and was given a same day GP appointment and then clinic referral within 2 weeks. I wasn’t asked about pain and I don’t believe that’s a relevant question, in fact my understanding is less sinister causes are more likely to be painful. Definitely push back.

Cross-post. Glad you took action.

Well done, I've had three breast lumps and been seen on the same day each time I've called the GP. All were fine (was referred 2/3 to breast clinic on the 2 week rule).

Glad you've got someone calling you today OP, fingers crossed they'll get you in/referred ASAP. When I had a lump, I made an appointment which was 4 or so days away. My (usually not great) doctor called and asked me to come in sooner. Then she referred me on the 2 week pathway. All without even knowing there was a direct family history of breast cancer - I didn't even get the chance to tell her before she decided to refer me. I was seen by a consultant and had an ultrasound a few days later. I was 30 at the time. My mum was undergoing treatment for BC and one of my childhood friends was very ill with the same (same age). This was all pre covid, but it shouldn't make a difference, especially as we are all told "the NHS is open".

Glad to see they are going to get back to you today. I had similar a while ago and the GP said it should be treated as urgent. Hopefully it will turn out to be nothing to worry about.

Well done OP For future reference pain in a lump is often a sign of infection so although it may get you seen immediately it risks sending the doctor off on the wrong diagnostic pathway (eg antibiotics) which may not be what you waNt if you are worried about cancer. So better to go with your approach.

I was told by a doctor the other week that my lump was less of a concern because it wasn't painful. She said you typically don't feel pain in a "bad" lump. It turned out to be a swollen gland.
Well done pushing for the appointment, hope you're okay