Hello Ishbel,

A very warm welcome to Cancer Chat.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and can understand your worry about your daughter. Most people are referred under the urgent referral system, which means that they should be seen within 2 weeks from the date of referral.  I am surprised that your daughter's GP didn't refer her under the urgent route, when 3 lumps were found. Did her GP say whether or not s/he felt that there was anything suspicious? Not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts, hormonal or fibrous changes. Many also have naturally lumpy breasts.The younger the person is, the less likely they are to have cancer.

Breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer today. I myself have had 2 bouts in the past 12 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilled life. If she does go privately, she may be seen a little quicker for her initial appointment. The chances are that she may even be seen by the same consultant that she would be seen by in the NHS. However, if it did turn out to be cancer, the cost of having all of her treatment paid for privately would be very high. Most people go for the initial consultation and then get referred back into the NHS system.  Once she gets her initial appointment within the NHS, things move pretty quickly.

Most people are tested at their first appointment and it usually takes 1-2 weeks to get the results of these tests. If in the unfortunate event, it does turn out to be cancer, surgery and treatment usually follow pretty soon after.

It might be a good idea for your daughter to contact her GP and ask why she hasn't been given an urgent referral and if the referral can be upgraded.

Please keep in touch and let us know how she gets on. We are always here for you both.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx