2ww Breast Cancer referral

Hi 

Last Monday I saw my GP re my breasts who felt 2 lumps in my right breast and 1 area of thickening in my left so she made a referral via the 2 week pathway. 

It's been a week so far  so I rang and they said they are still booking in the week before last so I'll get a call by the end of the week. 

So I think I wrongly assumed I would be seen within 2 weeks. Have we got any idea of how long realistically until I would be seen as it's started to stress me out. I'm wondering if it would be worth me paying private

I would appreciate any advice 

  • Hi LauSco41 I personally wouldn't pay privately.  You would have to get a referral letter from your GP first.  You will probably get your NHS appointment within the next two weeks.  I know it is called the 2 week pathway but it is realistically more like 3-4 weeks.  Once you get your appointment at the breast clinic, its normally a mammogram, a scan and then if necessary a biopsy or two on the same day.  Then the waiting starts again waiting for the results.  It really is a horrible rollercoaster of a ride and the waiting is so stressful.  I know it is easier said than done, but try and keep busy and dont google.  Says me because that was the first thing I did.  Anyway I wish you luck and let us know how you get on xx

    Lee x

  • Hi Lee 

    Thankyou. I talked myself out of going private after I posted. Thanks for explaining the wait it's super misleading and frustrating. I'm doing my best to try and not consult Dr Google but it's super hard. I will keep busy and try not to worry but easier said than done xx

  • I Thought the same, I had my first gp appointment on the 30th May where the Dr made the referral and finally I got a text on the 19th of June for a appointment at the breast clinic on the 2nd July. So nearly 5 weeks after

    I did some research and found the 2WW wasn't really the guideline anymore and found the average waiting times for my trust so I kind of expected it, but it would be handy if they dropped the name altogether as its kinda misleading!

    Fingers crossed for you that you get your appointment through soon and it's all good news! 

  • Sorry to jump on your post, it’s such a worrying time and this makes me worry more!!! I saw my gp, who made the referral and I was contacted the following morning with an appointment

    My appointment is just over a week away. I wonder if it’s based on level of concern or perhaps just how busy that area and particular clinic are? 
    sending you love at this worrying time xxx

  • Hi Scaredfemale,  I wouldnt worry more because you have your appointment early, you are lucky you dont have the long wait.  It just depends on the different Trusts and the area that you are living in.  It is not based on the level of concern.  I will keep my fingers crossed for you all and please let us know how you get on.  Hugs.

    Lee x

  • Like the last person said I wouldn't worry too much about that I think alot of the referral forms are probably generic so they get to the right departments and specialists, your probably just lucky it came through fast as your trust isn't busy at the minute or someone perhaps cancelled! Good luck for next week's appointment! X