Praise for the NHS Breast Clinic Service

[OooohAhhhh]

If you work for the NHS breast clinic then I want to say a tremendous well done, you provide a fantastic service.
I recently got a referral to the breast clinic for a lump in my breast, which the GP wasn't overly concerned about but refereed me anyway on the 2 week cancer pathway. From that GP appointment to my final consultation at the breast clinic my experience has only been a positive one.
I was seen at the breast clinic within 2 weeks and 5 days from my original GP appointment.
My breast clinic appointment consisted of a physical examination, ultrasound, mammogram & final consultation - all of which took 1 hour 20 minutes in total.
The efficiency is excellent - with the Doctors looking at the mammograms straight after - so no waiting around or being told you will get your results in a matter of days/weeks. Altho I understand if a biopsy is required they need to send it off and you get told your results within a week. The Dr who did my ultrasound said immediately it was just normal breast tissue, having already seen my mammogram.
So I was fortunate enough to receive good news (altho I know that always isn't the case).
So I just want to say a huge thank you, you should be proud of this efficient service.
And for anyone who is due to go, don't worry, you will be well looked after, with a thorough investigation as they seem to take any lumps very seriously.
I had a little cry when I was told my news, as I made myself so ill with anxiety in the weeks running up to it thinking of all the "what if's".
So thank you NHS breast clinic staff, you should be very proud of the excellent, thorough & efficient service that you provide. 😊

That’s great. I was referred to the breast clinic on the 2 week pathway on 30 Jan and my appointment at the breast clinic isn’t until 24 Feb so I am feeling a little stressed at the moment.

It can be amazing when it works well.

DM has just been diagnosed with ductal breast cancer in her 60s after a routine mammogram spotted a 7mm lump. She had no idea. In the last week, she's had a full round of scans, biopsy, marker left in situ, biopsy results, initial treatment plan discussion and she sees the surgeon tomorrow for a surgical plan. A lumpectomy is anticipated within the week, with hopefully no need for radio/chemotherapy but 5+yrs of tamoxifen tablets.

I take my hat off to these teams.

@Dibblydoodahdah what are your symptoms? Mine is a 3cm lump, soft & smooth (Drs words not mine) it felt hard to me tho.
Even if they think it feels normal they will still do the tests.
I was a mess, so I completely get how you must be feeling, but they will take great care of you whilst you're there.
Stats are 90% of referrals turn out not to be cancer tho.

@OooohAhhhh various changes in left breast. Two lumps, breast has become harder compared to right breast and intermittent pain (not linked to period).

@TwattingDog sorry to hear about your DM, that must have been an awful shock for her.
It's great it's all moving so fast for her now tho. I do wish her all the best.

Well, I have to say my symptoms of breast cancer were dismissed by the breast clinic, they had the wrong details on me, ordered the wrong scans, gave me a mammogram that was all clear, when I in fact had several large cancerous tumours. And when the cancer came back, it was even harder getting anyone to listen to me. Consultant said my problems were “muscular”, nurse said it was “nerves mending”. It wasn’t. It was cancer all over. I’m somewhat bitter.

@daisypond im so sorry to hear about your experience. I hope you are doing well now?

May i ask which type of breast cancer you has? Did they give an explanation about how it was missed? My symptoms have also been dismissed. I have a hard lump and radiating pain from my armpit to my breast on the same side. I was swiftly sent home after an ultrasound showed nothing. I am concerned as i have read that ultrasounds aren’t 100% accurate on younger women with dense breasts and implants. I am due to return for my 2nd referral next week, and am feeling anxious about being dismissed without an explanation as to what’s going on. If the same thing happens, am i within my rights to ask for further tests?

thanks