The first thing to do if you feel a lump or notice any unusual change in your breast is to see your GP, who will examine you and discuss your general health with you.
Bear in mind that only one lump in ten turns out to be cancer. An early diagnosis, however, is still the best thing for you because if there is something there, you’ll be catching it in its early stages. And if there isn’t, the sooner you can relax.
If your GP is unable to rule out the possibility of breast cancer, you will be referred for an assessment at a designated breast cancer clinic at a hospital near you. This should happen within two weeks.
The investigations and any subsequent treatment for breast cancer will involve a team of healthcare professionals – all specialists in their field. The team usually consists of a breast surgeon, a breast care nurse, a radiologist, a cancer specialist – also known as an oncologist – and a pathologist or cytologist. A cytologist is someone who specialises in diagnosing diseases by studying tissues and cells.
