Cancer Research UK main site

How long is wait for breast clinic referral appointment?

Sarahelizabeth1992
Offline

So I found a lump in my left breast around 2 weeks ago now and went to the doctors last Thursday to get it checked.

He confirmed there was a lump there and said he would refer me to the breast clinic to get it checked as he couldn't be sure what it was. 

I'm 28 so I know that's a positive thing but my nan on my mother's side had breast cancer at a similar age so I'm slightly more concerned.

With coronavirus I wasn't sure if appointments were taking longer than usual or it's all normal. I've only been waiting since Thursday but my mind has gone to slight worry and panic mode. I've done some research and it seems like people don't normally wait for more than 2 weeks but I can't find much information about if this has changed.

I don't want to worry my friends and family so I've only mentioned it to 2 people but my own thoughts are starting to drive me crazy. 

Thank you to anyone who might be able to help.

  • Offline

    Hi,

    In England the referral time is 2 weeks and in Wales it's 3. However you're right about covid and it certainly has increased the waiting time. I'm in Wales and my appointment is this Thursday but that's almost a 5week wait. 

    My GP told me to phone the surgery and explain to the secretary of I hadn't heard anything after 3 weeks.

    I hope that helps. I've found the waiting extremely difficult and imagined every scenario possible however now that I'm to be seen in 2days I don't want to go. 

    Take care, Bx

  • Offline

    It depends on the symptoms you've been having. After going to the doctor today I'm being seen in under 2 weeks so it's panicking me more that's it's so soon there must be something very wrong

  • Offline

    Hi Sarah,

    Think my phone crashed while posting so sorry if you get this twice! I visited the doctors a couple of weeks ago with a lump and they referred me to the breast clinic. I have an appointment this Friday so exactly two weeks later. They rang me to book 3 days after the doctors so hopefully you will hear soon. I'm in the north west, it seems to be different wait times for different areas.

    Hope it all works out well for you xx

  • Offline in reply to K87

    Hi, hope all went well,

    I was just wondering if they just call to make an appointment or do they need to send a letter first before you're able book?

     

    Thanks!

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.