HI DF76,

A very warm welcome to the forum.

Try not to panic, as only 1 person in every 8 referred to the clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. You will see the consultant at the clinic, who will discuss your symptoms and then examine you. Depending upon what is found, you may then be sent for either a mammogram and/or an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. You do not say what age you are, but mammograms are usually only carried out in people over 40, as younger breasts tend to be too dense to show up clearly. If you have a biopsy, it can take 1-2 weeks to get the results of this back. You are usually advised that your first appointment can take up to 3 or 4 hours. This only happens if you need all of these tests and have to move to the different departments.

It is just as well that you have been referred, as you will get the tests you need to be certain that you can exclude cancer. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes. Even if the worst should happen, breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer nowadays. I myself have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

This is always a scary time. Do your best to keep preoccupied with a hobby or pastime to help the time to pass. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

HI DF76,

A very warm welcome to the forum.

Try not to panic, as only 1 person in every 8 referred to the clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. You will see the consultant at the clinic, who will discuss your symptoms and then examine you. Depending upon what is found, you may then be sent for either a mammogram and/or an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. You do not say what age you are, but mammograms are usually only carried out in people over 40, as younger breasts tend to be too dense to show up clearly. If you have a biopsy, it can take 1-2 weeks to get the results of this back. You are usually advised that your first appointment can take up to 3 or 4 hours. This only happens if you need all of these tests and have to move to the different departments.

It is just as well that you have been referred, as you will get the tests you need to be certain that you can exclude cancer. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes. Even if the worst should happen, breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer nowadays. I myself have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

This is always a scary time. Do your best to keep preoccupied with a hobby or pastime to help the time to pass. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx