I have been to see my GP today after 2 weeks of continual pain in my breasts with some nipple discharge. She got me to lay down and informed me they are really lumpy and asked if this is normal for me, which it's not.  I'm adopted but do know my birth mothers mum died of breast cancer which added a few more alarm bells to my head. She told me she will be writing to the breast surgeon to get me an appointment so now I'm worrying. What is the average timescale between referral and appointment?  Am I panicking too early? 
Emily x

Hi Emily,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that your GP has felt it necessary to refer you to the breast clinic. Try not to let this worry you, as only 1 person in every 8 referred will get a cancer diagnosis. You don't say what age you are, but many young women also have naturally lumpy breasts.

You will usually be seen at the clinic within 2 weeks from referral. Panic won't change your outcome, so try to stay calm.  You will find that keeping busy will help to pass the time as your're waiting.

You may have some tests taken when you are at the clinic and it usually takes 1-2 weeks to get the results of these back. It is not usually until this stage that you can be sure that all is clear.

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

Keeping my fingers crossed for good news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Laurala,

This is fantastic news. I'm delighted for you.

Look after yourself and, stay well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi just let you know I had my breast clinic appointment tonight and got the all clear. Sending much love to you all xx

Hi Glasgowlassy,

More good news? This is really great. I hope that you can relax now and that all goes well for you from here on.

Kind regards,
Jolamine xx

Hi all,

I wanted to reply to this thread and I am going through the same thing. I'm 21 and found a lump in my right armpit and right side of my right breast. I have been referred to the Breast Clinic but my app. isn't until the 28th. I am freaking out... thinking the worst. I am also really nervous about the clinic as I hate hospitals and am scared of procedures like biopsies. 

Both lumps can be moved (i think?!) and are quite painful, but no bigger than 1-2cm. I have had problems with my lymph nodes in the past and it feels different to that. The lump in my armpit (weirdly) goes away when I lift my arm up, but when my arm is doing it is a pretty sizable lump. I had my covid booster a few weeks ago, but in my left arm, so I don't think that explains it. 

I was wondering if anyone had experiences of biopsies they could share? Does it always end in the biopsy? Given my age, I doubt they will do a mammogram, and I don't know how accurate ultrasounds are at ruling out cancerous lumps. Also, do you think I'll be able to have my partner with me for the appointments? I do not know the rules with covid, and I'm worried the waits in between tests will be unbearable without someone there. 

Sorry for this being so long. I just have so many questions!

Thanks, Bella. 

Hi Bella,

A very warm welcome to our forum. 

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and the worry that this is causing you. There is no need to worry about your visit to the breast clinic. you will find the staff there very pleasant, understanding and reassuring. You will first of all have a chat with your consultant about your symptoms. You will then be given a physical examination of your breasts. At this stage your consultant will decide whether or not you need any further tests. If you do, you are likely to get an ultrasound. 

This shows up any lumps, but it cannot detect whether or not it is cancerous.  This is why so many of us then have a biopsy. If you need a biopsy, you will be given a local anaesthetic, so you will hardly feel this being done. You then have 1-2 weeks to wait before you get the results of the biopsy. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes. Most of these just need to be monitored, although some of the larger ones are draine or removed.

Whether or not you will be allowed to have your partner with you will depend on your hospital. Phone the department and ask,  as this seems to vary around the country. Most hospitals allow your partner when they are giving you test results, but not usually before. Only 1 person in every 8 who attend the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis and, the younger you are, the less likely this is to happen.

I shall be keeping my fingers crossed for you on 28th. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Thank you for the kind words. I feel a bit in the dark with my appointment if I'm honest. I rang today to ask if I should have received a letter by now and they said my appointment has been moved back three days. I know it is only three days but it seems like forever. Hopefully I'll get a last-minute cancellation appointment. 

Thanks, Bella xx 

Hi Bella,

You should receive a letter within 2 weeks from the date of your referral, although some appointments are taking a little longer due to Covid. Did you ask them to give you a phone if they get a cancellation? It is often worth doing this, as the wait does seem to last forever. Did you also ask whether or not you could bring your partner with you? I do hope so.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Bella, I'm also waiting having been referred to a breast clinic today. I feel scared and anxious and worried. My mind won't stop thinking negative thoughts and I keep trying to switch it back to positive stuff & not overthink or worry too much...but it's straight back again 2 mins later. 
I'm 45 and a single mum. I'm petrified what the news might be. 
I don't have a lump as such, I have horrific pain and swelling in one breast. I feel like something is squeezing my breast tight & the pressure is awful. It feels all hot and cold at the same time too. 
I know hospitals are under a lot of pressure right now with staff off isolating/unwell etc but let's hope we both get seen soon. I've been told the clinic near me is a "one stop" place and I'm likely to have any tests needed done the same day...

good luck x

Hi Bella,

When I had my lump the doctor told me if it was movable it was a good sign. At the hospital I had a biopsy and I was really shocked as didn't expect it. For me that was the worst part as I wasn't mentally prepared for it. The biopsy itself was very quick and it made a clicking sound almost like a staple gun sound, the nurse was lovely and had a chat with me after saying she thought it could be a fibrodemena which is harmless, but I had to wait 2 weeks for biopsy result. I had a bit of bruising for a few days and thankfully my result confirmed it was a fibrodemena. While a biopsy isnt pleasant it can hopefully but your mind at rest and get all the worrying over as its constantly on your mind isnt it. Good luck with your appointment.

Hi Last67,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear about your symptoms. This is always a worrying wait. It is difficult to deal with the unknown and our imaginations tend to take us to all sorts of dark places. Have you had these symptoms for long? It is a fact that only 1 person in every 8 referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. Not all lumps are cancerous either. Many people have benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes or even inflammation of some sort.

Try not to overthink thinks. Remember that "it's not cancer until you're told that it's cancer." Hopefully, you'll get your appointment through soon. It usually arrives within 2 weeks from the date of referral. It does help that you have a 'One stop clinic' nearby. This makes it easier to get all the necessary tests carried out on the same day. If you need to have a biopsy, you may find that you have another 1-2 week wait to get the results of this.

I hope that all goes well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Last67,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear about your symptoms. This is always a worrying wait. It is difficult to deal with the unknown and our imaginations tend to take us to all sorts of dark places. Have you had these symptoms for long? It is a fact that only 1 person in every 8 referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. Not all lumps are cancerous either. Many people have benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes or even inflammation of some sort.

Try not to overthink thinks. Remember that "it's not cancer until you're told that it's cancer." Hopefully, you'll get your appointment through soon. It usually arrives within 2 weeks from the date of referral. It does help that you have a 'One stop clinic' nearby. This makes it easier to get all the necessary tests carried out on the same day. If you need to have a biopsy, you may find that you have another 1-2 week wait to get the results of this.

I hope that all goes well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx