• Breast changes
• • Breast care team
  • The assessment clinic
• Benign breast condition diagnosis
• Breast cancer diagnosis

If you have detected a lump or noticed a change in the appearance of your breast, go and see your GP as soon as possible.

Not all lumps are cancer - nine out of ten are not - but the sooner you act, the sooner it can be diagnosed and treatment started should the lump be a cancer. Equally, should cancer be ruled out, the sooner your mind will be at rest.

Your doctor will examine you and ask several questions about your health.

When will I see a specialist?

If you have symptoms your GP suspects may be breast cancer, he/she will refer you to a designated breast cancer clinic in a local hospital within two weeks for an assessment.

Your feelings

This is an anxious time. Many women have a real fear of the prospect of breast cancer that is quite distinct from the fear of cancer or ill health in general. The fear of being potentially disfigured and losing a very visible part of the body so emotionally connected to sexuality and female identity should not be underestimated. These feelings are not unusual. It may help to talk about your concerns with your family.

The important thing at this stage is to remember to take action. As soon as you have alerted your doctor, he/she can then refer you for an assessment if necessary, and you have done something positive about your worries.

It may help to learn about what the assessment will include so that you will feel more prepared. Women who are well informed tend to suffer lower levels of anxiety.

           

• Breast changes
• • Breast care team
  • The assessment clinic
• Benign breast condition diagnosis
• Breast cancer diagnosis

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