Hi Sarah and thank you for your post

I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis of breast cancer.  

Not all women are referred to an oncologist (cancer specialist). Only women who require chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are referred to an oncologist. Most of these women are referred after their surgery. Only a few are referred prior to having surgery for neo adjuvant chemotherapy. You may like to read about chemotherapy here. and breast cancer treatment here.

I would advise you to speak to your specialist nurse who will be able to inform you of your treatment plan and estimated timescale. You may like to read about waiting times at this link here. Unfortunately sometimes waiting times guidelines can't always be met, due to winter pressures and NHS strikes. Again your specialist nurse will be able to advise you further.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Yours sincerely,

Tina

Hi Sarah and thank you for your post

I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis of breast cancer.  

Not all women are referred to an oncologist (cancer specialist). Only women who require chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are referred to an oncologist. Most of these women are referred after their surgery. Only a few are referred prior to having surgery for neo adjuvant chemotherapy. You may like to read about chemotherapy here. and breast cancer treatment here.

I would advise you to speak to your specialist nurse who will be able to inform you of your treatment plan and estimated timescale. You may like to read about waiting times at this link here. Unfortunately sometimes waiting times guidelines can't always be met, due to winter pressures and NHS strikes. Again your specialist nurse will be able to advise you further.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Yours sincerely,

Tina