Suspected breast cancer GP wait

I have had a red rash on my breast since early summer. I have tried antihistimines, steroid creams etc, buy nothing shifted it. I saw my GP on thursday last week. She has said suspected breast cancer due to the rash & thickening of the skin - however, apparantly a critera has to be met prior to being allowed to refer to breast clinic. Apparantly breadt clinics wont accept patients unless other treatment is tried first, This involves a course of antibiotics & more steroid cream. After 2 weeks Im supposed to return to the gp for the referral to be made & then there will be another 2 week wait. Is this normal?

  • Hello Henrietta-S

    I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with some ongoing concerns about your breast health at the moment. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about things, particularly as the rash has been present for a while now and you have to wait before a referral can be made. Hopefully, if the antibiotics are going to make a difference you will see a change soon but it's natural to feel worried about what the GP has told you. 

    We know that waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a really difficult time for many people. Often it can help to talk things through and I wonder if you'd find it beneficial to chat with one of our team of nurses whilst you're waiting for the next steps. I'm sure they'd be happy to offer any advice, information, and support that they can. If you'd like to chat with them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch over the next few weeks Henrietta and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator