My Breakthrough
Left in the Dark: two-week wait for all breast referrals
Recent research indicates over a quarter of people subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer are being given a routine referral to see a specialist by their GP. This means that these patients may be waiting significantly longer for their diagnosis than those given an urgent referral, who currently wait a maximum of two weeks for their first appointment with a specialist.
Patients have told Breakthrough that waiting ‘for a diagnosis is a very anxious and distressing time, regardless of the outcome’.
Breakthrough welcomes the Prime Minster’s commitment to ensuring all breast referrals are seen as urgent.
The commitment will ensure everyone referred with breast problems will be seen within two weeks. Breakthrough is committed to working with healthcare professionals, local NHS Trusts and patients in promoting best practice in implementing a two-week wait for all.
If you would like more information on the guidelines for breast referrals or would like to find out how to get involved in our Left in the Dark campaign please contact Angela Spiers Magny, Health Campaigns Manager, on 020 7025 2494 or at angelas@breakthrough.org.uk.
MPs will also be encouraged to work with local NHS Trusts on local plans to meet a two-week wait for all.
Find out more about joining CAN and attending our 2007 Westminster Fly-In.
Patients have told Breakthrough that waiting ‘for a diagnosis is a very anxious and distressing time, regardless of the outcome’.
Breakthrough welcomes the Prime Minster’s commitment to ensuring all breast referrals are seen as urgent.
The commitment will ensure everyone referred with breast problems will be seen within two weeks. Breakthrough is committed to working with healthcare professionals, local NHS Trusts and patients in promoting best practice in implementing a two-week wait for all.
If you would like more information on the guidelines for breast referrals or would like to find out how to get involved in our Left in the Dark campaign please contact Angela Spiers Magny, Health Campaigns Manager, on 020 7025 2494 or at angelas@breakthrough.org.uk.
Get involved – join CAN!
Achieving a two-week wait for all will be a focus at this year’s Westminster Fly-In, where delegates will be asked to raise the issue of breast referral waiting times with their MP.MPs will also be encouraged to work with local NHS Trusts on local plans to meet a two-week wait for all.
Find out more about joining CAN and attending our 2007 Westminster Fly-In.
