Breast lump - NHS or Private

[usernotfound0000]

I've found a lump in my breast, I've seen the GP and have been referred to the breast clinic under the 2 week wait. My appointment is on the 30th Sept, which will be 3 weeks after I saw the GP as my referral went missing.
I'm getting really anxious that with all the covid stuff starting to get worse again that my appointment will get cancelled or delayed. Does anyone if services like this were affected last time and how likely they are to be again? I'm considering paying for a private appointment so hopefully they can see me sooner. I have no idea if this is possible as it isn't something I've ever looked into. Can anyone advise? Thank you.

2WW appointments were almost entirely unaffected during lockdown

What happens after diagnosis might vary, depending on the nature of Covid safety procedures in your local NHS trust, and the availability if 'clean' facilities.

- it's a thought time for you and I hope you have good RL support

The clinic which does the all the breast care for my Trust remained open throughout. Routine screenings were suspended, but everything else (2WW clinics, routine mammograms for those on enhanced programmes, onwards treatments) all continued

Unless rich enough or well enough insured, to fund the whole pathway I’d definitely go NHS

And do remember that the vast majority of women walk away from the clinic with a benign diagnosis. But even if you don’t, nearly every breast cancer can be removed and zapped/poisoned into oblivion

Thank you both for your replies, that is really reassuring. I haven't been overly worried but seeing the news today and everything seems to be getting worse, I just don't want to be forgotten about.

I have been referred to the local breast unit under the 2 week rule 5 times since February!

No problem at all with being seen by them.

I was refferred at the start of May so slap bang in the height of lockdown. Telephone consultation the next day. Hospital the following week where i had mamogram, ultrasound and biopsy. Back the following week for result( was cancer) on the same visit they did all my hospital prep for an op the following week. So reffered from GP , test, results and operation in just over 3 weeks. Fantastic service, really, dont worry OP.

2 week wait NHS route.

Everything possible is being done to keep cancer services running.

I'd be wary about the private sector not being able to tie all necessary stuff together quickly and there may not be a well established MDT pathway/ the route back into the NHS may not be clear if it is a bad diagnosis so unless you are very wealthy/ well insured I'd avoid it.

Thanks everyone, this is really reassuring. Just when you read the news it's hard to know what was affected last time and what might be affected again. I'm certainly not wealthy so no chance of funding any ongoing care so will sit tight and wait for the NHS appointment.
@Redannie118 I hope that you are getting the best treatment and care and looking after yourself.

I had a breast abnormality and the NHS was bloody amazing.
I think they are trying to stick to the 2 weeks even now.
I would def put myself in the NHS care for this one. Good luck.

I went private for the first appointment which included mammogram/ ultrasound/ biopsies. I just couldn’t wait two weeks and wanted to be seen that week.
Once diagnosed I transferred into NHS with exactly the same consultant. It all worked smoothly.

Just to update, I did enquire at a private clinic but the earliest they could see me was on Friday, my NHS appointment is on Wednesday and as long as me or my family don't get struck down with Covid before then, then it's all still going ahead. I had managed to put it out of my mind but as the day gets closer, I am starting to feel very anxious again.

Not long to wait now - good luck.

The odds that it is nothing serious are very much in your favour but you need to have it checked.

Thank you. I've read the odds and know they are in my favour, but my mum died from cancer (not breast) so I think I'm predispositioned to think the worst now! Will be glad to just know now, whatever the outcome.

I had a 2WW earlier in the year and was hugely impressed by how efficient it was. Mammogram, scan and seen by two hugely experienced senior female doctors all within the space of an hour and sent off with the diagnosis of a cyst. I have had other issues with the NHS but would feel very confident that you don't need to go private.

Hope you are ok Op. I'm waiting toox