Waiting longer than the 2 week referral

Hello, I noticed a hard lump in my breast and waited a few weeks to see if it went away after my period which it didn't, I had a gp appointment she did an exam and said it feels like a nodule/nodular what does that mean? She seemed concerned and said she could feel something in the other breast too so referred me under the 2 week 'suspected breast cancer' to the breast clinic, I haven't received an appointment yet so rang the breast clinic and she said they are over run with referrals and I will probably be waiting longer than two weeks for my appointment and wont even be told when my appointment will be for another week or so, my anxiety is so high about this as I am a single mum of two young children and the wait is going to be so hard. I thought it was a rule you had to be seen within 2 weeks from referral or is that just a guideline? I wish I could afford a private scan but I can't find any information on how much that would even cost does anyone have any idea? 

Many thanks

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry that you are in this situation and understand that you are worried. Unfortunately, the 2-week wait referral is a guideline and not a rule, and some areas of the NHS are under a lot of pressure right now to deliver on this.

    I appreciate this isn't helpful in your current situation, but hopefully, your appointment will come through soon so you can be reviewed at the breast clinic. I have posted here information from the breast cancer charity Breast Cancer Now about what to expect when you do get to the breast clinic appointment.

    You have said that your GP has described the lump as nodular. A nodule is an overgrowth of tissue under the skin. There are other breast conditions, that aren't cancer, that can cause lumps. Here is a link to them, again from Breast Cancer Now.

    I do not know how much a private scan would be but the Private Health website has information about private hospitals in the UK if useful.

    Take care and if you want to talk things through with us on the nurse helpline do give us a call on Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday, but not Bank Holidays.

    Sarah.

  • Hello Sarah, thank you so much for your reply I really appreciate it and will look through the information you linked

    Thanks for all you do :happy: