Hello MAMC, 

I am sorry to hear you have been feeling anxious about waiting times after being referred to the breast clinic. It's good you flagged this pea sized lump on your left breast with your GP and our website has useful information on the breast clinic referral process with a sub section related to what happens in Scotland. It mentions that waiting times might be slightly different depending on where you live in the UK so it might be worth getting in touch with the hospital or your GP and asking them whether they can give you an estimate as to what the waiting times currently are. 

I've also slightly edited your title to include the words 'for breast clinic in Scotland' so that other members of our community who live in Scotland might spot your post more easily and tell you more based on their personal stories or experiences. 

I hope that you won't have to wait too long to be seen - in the meantime, I thought I would share with you these handy tips to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

Everything crossed for you that you get an appointment very soon and that it all turns out to be fine. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi MAMC,

A very warm welcome to our forum. 

Where abouts in Scotland are you? I am near Glasgow and I was seen within 2 weeks, from the date that I saw my GP.  You will usually get a date within 2 weeks from the date of referral, although in some areas, the actual appointment may be a couple of weeks after that. On the whole, Scotland seems to be able to see people within 2 weeks and the longer delays tend to be in England. I do hope that your appointment comes through soon, as this is always an anxious time.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi, thank you both for responding. My GP didn’t feel my case would require an urgent referral (I have no idea how they make this decision) and couldn’t tell me how long wait times would be. I’m in North Lanarkshire.

I am considering looking into private health care as I’m really struggling with waiting. I have two young children and it’s making me feel very emotional. 

Thank you again, it’s very comforting speaking to people who understand how difficult the waiting is. I will be sure to keep in touch xx

Hi MAMC,

Although your GP didn't feel that it was necessary to refer you under the urgent pathway, which is good, this is still a very stressful time. Before you look into going private, it might be worth phoning your GP to see if s/he would be willing to refer you under the 2 week urgent pathway, due to the stress that this is causing you (or even to see another doctor in your practice). The other thing that you could do, is to ask your GP what hospital and consultant you have been referred to. You could then phone the consultant's secretary, to see when you are likely to get an appointment. It can also be helpful if you offer to take any cancellations, as this can sometimes get you seen a little sooner.

It is reassuring that you GP is not too concerned about this, as only 20% of people who are referred to the breast clinic, will get a cancer diagnosis. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts or due to fibrous or hormonal changes. I am in South Lanarkshire. Waiting to be seen at the clinic and then waiting for biopsy results are some of the most worrying and emotional times of our cancer journey. Don't worry if you find yourself crying a lot. Shedding those tears is a good way to get rid of pent up stress. 

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi MAMC,

I am glad to hear that you now have an appointment for 29th November and that you don't have to wait for much longer. They are usually very thorough at these clinics, which is what we all need.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx