Appointments

How to get an appointment

Your GP or hospital doctor can refer you.

Changing or cancelling your appointment

Breast unit appointments

Please contact us to change or cancel your appointment at our breast unit.

Cancer Centre appointments

Phone: 020 7188 9531 or 020 7188 0884

Email: [email protected]

If you are running late for your appointment in the breast unit, please call our reception on 020 7188 1483.

Before your appointment

We have male and female doctors working in the clinic. If you are being examined by a male doctor, there will be a nursing assistant present.

If you wish to be examined by a female member of the team, please let us know before you come to the clinic for your appointment. We will try to arrange this if possible.

During your appointment

First appointment

Your first appointment at the breast unit is a consultation and examination. This is with a doctor or advanced nurse practitioner.

You will be asked some questions about your general health and your breast problem. You will have a physical examination of your breasts. At the end of your consultation, you will have your problem explained to you, and will be told about any investigations you might need.

We are a teaching hospital. This means students might be present at your consultation. They will be learning how to take a medical history and carry out a breast examination. Please tell us if you do not want students to be present. It will not affect your care in any way.

'One stop' clinics

We run 'one stop' clinics. Your visit can take 2 to 3 hours. You may be referred for breast imaging on the same day.

Investigations and tests

You might need a:

• mammogram (X-ray of the breast)
• ultrasound (scan of the breast using sound waves)
• biopsy  (taking a sample of cells using a needle)

If you do not need a follow-up appointment, you'll get your results in the post. You should receive your results letter within 2 to 4 weeks.

Follow-up appointments

Follow-up appointments are usually with a consultant breast surgeon or senior doctor. You may also see a clinical nurse specialist.

If your appointment is at the Cancer Centre, you will see a member of the breast cancer team. You may also see a clinical nurse specialist or member of the research team.

After your appointment

We will send you and your GP a letter with your results. If you do not get a letter within 2 weeks, please call 020 7188 1469.

Our booking team will contact you by phone or letter if you need a follow-up appointment in the breast unit.

Please contact us if you need information about:

• your follow-up appointment
• planned surgery
• scans and appointments at the breast imaging department