I have found a lump in my breast. Is it normal to wait 8 weeks for an appointment?

[Amapoleon]

I found the lump before Christmas and left it thinking it might be hormonal. It didn't go away so I went to the doctors who referred me to the breast clinic. My appointment isn't until the end of Feb, that means by the time I see them it will be 8 weeks since I found it.

From my own experience a two weeks referral is the norm. But I suppose it may depend on whether your doc. said it was an urgent referral. Whatever the case I would be chasing it up, you shouldn't have to wait that long. Speak to your doctor, or phone the breast clinic.

I would call your GP back and say that you want an appointment sooner. I found a small lump a year or so ago (it turned out just to be a blocked milk duct), but i was seen within a fortnight.

Tell them you are sick with worry and cannot possibly wait that long. Put it in writing and complain to the PCT if necessary

Thanks, the Doctor filled out a cancer priority form in front of me. I went to the breast clinic and they said it was their first available appointment. I think I will go back to the doctor. I can't stand another month of worrying.

Whoops, meant it will be 12 weeks since I found it.

don't think it is acceptable that it is their first appointment. I would phone the clinical director and complain

Not acceptable at all government guidelines say a maximum of 3 weeks I am certain[may even be two].You must go back to the doctor-12 weeks is disgraceful.

It's 12 weeks since you found it but not 12 weeks since you went to the Dr. Sounds like it will be about 4 weeks from referral to being seen. Unfortunately there will be a backlog from Christmas and the Corrie story line is probably sending lots of people to the Drs too. Everyone ahead of you is in the same position as you. The clinic won't be sitting there with empty slots that aren't booked. There will probably be no shows during the day though so if you are desperate to get seen, best to go there of a morning and wait and ask to go into a slot when someone doesn't attend.

Don't mean to sound hard but if they have a glut of referrals, it is very difficult to move any quicker.

That's right. 12 weeks since I found it and it will be 8 weeks since I went to the doctor. Didn't know about the Corrie story line. I realise that the clinic will be busy but thought 2 months was rather a long wait. I'm not expecting to queue jump. I'm just worried. A friend told me today that her friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and was dead 4 months later, it has just spooked me.

Go back to your doctor Amapolean. 8 weeks is too long, at the very least he can find out the reason for the delay and he will push for you if he thinks its necessary.

Thanks Kurri, I will.