Self-referral for tests
You have self-referred via NHS 111 online to a breast clinic to get a change in your breast checked.
At the clinic you may have tests and scans for cancer and other breast conditions.
Most breast changes are not cancer, but it’s important to get them checked.
More than 9 out of 10 people referred in this way are not diagnosed with cancer.
Your urgent referral
It is very important you attend your appointment.
When you come to your appointment
Bring your appointment letter. Staff will use this to check you in.
Also bring any information that can help us understand your health better, including:
- any medicine you take
- any allergies to medicines you have
- any herbal remedies you take
- information from other hospitals about your health if you have it
Knowing this information helps us take better care of you.
Remember, most breast changes are not cancer. It is normal to feel worried, but the staff are there to help and support you.
What will happen at your appointment?
The doctor or specialist nurse will ask about your health and examine your breasts.
You might then have 1 or more of these tests:
- mammogram (breast X-ray)
- ultrasound scan
- needle test to take a small sample
You will usually have all the tests you need in 1 visit at the breast clinic.
Allow up to 3 hours for your appointment as you might have to wait between tests.
You can bring a friend or relative with you on the day. You can also ask for a chaperone if you want one.
At the end of your appointment, you will be told what will happen next.
When to expect results
The clinic will tell you how you will get your results.
You might get some results on the day but full results can take between 1 and 2 weeks.
The whole process (from referral to knowing for sure if you have cancer or not) should not take any longer than 28 days.
Contact details
If you have any questions about your appointment or need to rearrange it, contact the faster diagnosis team.
Email address: breastfasterdiagnosis@somersetft.nhs.uk
Telephone number: 01823 792871
More information and support
You can read more about tests you might have at the clinic on the Cancer Research UK website.
Breast Cancer Now has specialist nurses you can email or call for advice and their website has information about where to get support.
Help us improve
Tell us what you think of this new way of referring yourself to a clinic by filling in a short, confidential survey.