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Breast symptoms, such as breast pain or a lump, may in fact be caused by normal breast changes or a benign (not cancer) breast condition. However, if you notice any changes in your breasts, it is important to see your GP as soon as you can.
Once your GP has assessed you, they may wish to refer you to the specialist breast team here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital for further assessment.
Your appointment should be arranged before you leave your GP surgery, or your GP will tell you what you need to do next.
Your breast clinic appointment is usually within 2 weeks from when your GP referred you to our new patient clinic (also known as the 2-week-wait symptomatic breast clinic).
Our breast unit is actively involved in the training of junior doctors, medical students and nursing students. We will always seek your permission before a student can observe your consultation or examination.
How to check your breasts
See Breast Cancer Now's guide on how to check your breasts, what to look out for and when to report it to your GP.
Please allow 2-3 hours for your appointment. Our waiting area space is quite small, so please only bring one person with you, if you wish to.
Your appointment will be in the mammography department at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, please allow between 2-3 hours for this appointment.
You will be seen by one of our specialist breast clinicians and a female chaperone will also be present. We have male and female doctors in our team.
The specialist breast clinician will ask you some questions about your symptoms and your general health. Please bring a list of any medication that you are currently taking.
The breast clinician will examine you - you will need to undress from the waist upwards. They will then decide as to whether you require further tests, which might include a mammogram, ultrasound scan and/or biopsies. These tests will usually be carried out at this same appointment.
You will be informed of the result of your mammogram and/or ultrasound scan by the end of the appointment. However, if biopsies are taken, the results take longer because these have to be examined carefully under the microscope in the pathology laboratories. The clinician will discuss with you how to obtain the results of the biopsy which can be in the form of a follow-up clinic appointment, a letter in the post or a phone call.