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The Wilmslow Hospital: What happens at our one-stop breast clinics?
Have you or somebody you know been invited to attend a one-stop breast clinic and aren’t quite sure what to expect? Mr Richard Johnson, consultant breast surgeon, explains exactly what to expect during and after a one-stop breast clinic appointment at The Wilmslow Hospital.
To begin with, let’s establish the difference between breast screening and a one-stop breast clinic:
About breast screening
At The Wilmslow Hospital we offer routine breast screening to women over the age of 40, who aren’t experiencing any symptoms and haven’t had a mammogram in the last 12 months.
Regular breast screening can find any irregularities at the earliest possible stage before any obvious symptoms develop. So, it’s important attend your regular screening mammograms as finding cancer earlier can make it easier to treat. And if you notice any symptoms or changes to your breasts between your routine screening appointments, please see your GP or a breast specialist without delay.
About one-stop breast clinics
You may be referred to a one-stop breast clinic if an irregularity has been found during your routine breast screening or if you have breast cancer symptoms, like a new lump in your breast or underarm. We understand that experiencing symptoms of breast cancer can be a very worrying time, that’s why our one-stop breast clinics are designed to help you get quicker access to a diagnosis, with the care and support of our expert team, in a confidential and comfortable environment.
What happens during my one-stop breast clinic appointment?
At the clinic you will have all your initial diagnostic tests, performed by experts using the latest diagnostic technology, and see different healthcare professionals in a single appointment:
- Firstly, you will be guided by a consultant, such as myself, and specialist breast care nurses through a consultation about your symptoms and a physical examination. This will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions about your symptoms and the tests we are going to perform.
- Then you will have a mammogram so we can look at X-ray images of your breasts, and if we need to take a closer look you may also have an ultrasound. Our radiologists and breast care nurses will make sure you are as comfortable as possible and will be able to answer any questions you have along the way.
- Our team will discuss the results of these tests with you at your visit. If no further tests are required, you can go home with peace of mind the same day.
- If your tests show any irregularities, we may take a biopsy, and your result will be available to discuss within days. Our specialist breast care nurses will be available to provide ongoing support whilst you wait for the results.
What happens after I have been to a one-stop breast clinic?
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer you can be assured that we can provide you with expert care. Our sister site, The Christie Private Care provides the latest and most innovative cancer treatments delivered by a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists.
If you are concerned about any changes to your breasts, please speak to your GP who can refer you to our one-stop breast clinics. In some cases, you can make a self-referral.
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