Getting diagnosed with breast cancer
You should see your doctor if you notice a change that isn't normal for you. Or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of cancer.
Even if you're worried about what the symptom might be, don't delay seeing them. If you're finding it difficult to get an appointment you should keep trying. Your worry is unlikely to go away if you don’t see someone about it.
The symptom might not be due to cancer. But if it is, the earlier it's picked up the higher the chance of successful treatment. You won't be wasting your doctor's time.
Try not to be embarrassed. What you tell your GP is confidential. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems and will try to put you at ease.
Find out about symptoms of breast cancer
You may have your appointment in person, over the telephone or as a video call. However, when you speak to your GP it can be difficult to remember everything you want to say. These tips will help you get the most out of your appointment.
Write down your symptoms including when they started, when they happen and how often you have them.
Write down anything that makes them worse or better.
If you would prefer to only see a male doctor or female doctor, ask when you book the appointment - the receptionist will tell you if it is possible.
Tell your GP if you are worried about cancer.
Tell them if you have any family history of cancer.
Have a friend or relative with you for support - they could also ask questions and take notes to help you remember what the GP says.
Ask the GP to explain anything you don’t understand.
Ask the GP to write things down for you if you think it might help - if you have a telephone or video appointment ask for the information to be left at reception for you to pick up.
This short video goes over how to get the most out of your phone and video appointments with your doctor. This video lasts 1 minute and 43 seconds.
Your doctor needs to build up a picture of what's going on. So they will ask you some questions. These include:
what symptoms you have
when you get them
whether anything makes them better or worse
They will ask you about your general health and any other medical conditions you have.
Let your GP know about any:
previous breast surgery or breast tests that you have had
family members that have or have had breast or ovarian cancer
During a face to face appointment your doctor may want to examine you. You can ask for someone else to be in the room if you want, to act as a chaperone. This chaperone can be a friend or relative, or a trained health professional such as a practice nurse. They can be with you during the examination or throughout the appointment.
If you would rather see a male or a female doctor it is worth asking when you book the appointment.
Your doctor might do some general tests. If you have had a telephone appointment your doctor might arrange for you to come in and see them. They may check your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
Your GP will also usually examine your breasts and might also feel the under your arms and in your neck.
Depending on your symptoms, your GP might refer you to a breast clinic.
Your doctor might refer you to a breast clinic for more tests. This is usually a 'one stop' breast clinic where you can have several tests in one day. It’s also known as a triple assessment. These appointments take a few hours.
The tests you have can diagnose breast cancer and other breast conditions. These might include:
breast examination
mammogram
breast ultrasound scan
a breast biopsy
Find out more about each of these tests
Do I need to see a specialist? Is it urgent?
When will I see them?
Where will I see them?
Will I find out about my appointments by post or telephone?
Do I need tests? What will they involve?
How long should I expect to wait?
Where can I find out more about tests?
Do I have to do anything in preparation for this test?
When will I get the results and who will tell me?
Your GP might not be able to answer all of your questions. They will tell you what they can at this point. Not knowing is difficult to cope with and can make you anxious.
Speaking to a friend or relative about how you feel might help.
Can you explain why I don’t need to have tests or see a specialist?
Is there anything I can do to help myself?
Do I need to see you again?
Who do I contact if my symptoms continue or get worse, especially during the night or at weekends?
Make sure you know what happens next. Make another appointment if your symptoms don’t clear up, or if they change or get worse.
If you don’t have a GP, you can find a doctor’s surgery in your local area by going to:
To make an appointment you:
can telephone your GP surgery
can book an appointment online through your GP surgery website (if they have one)
may be able to use the NHS App
may be able to go into the GP surgery and make an appointment in person
Find out more about the NHS App and how to register
If it's difficult to get through to the GP surgery by phone try calling at a different time of the day. Or try calling on a different day. It could be particularly busy in the mornings or on a Monday. Although it can be frustrating you should keep trying. Some GP surgeries offer to call you back if you are in a telephone queue.
You might be able to go to your GP surgery to book an appointment. But not all surgeries offer this service. It may help to see if your GP surgery has a website - this will explain the best way to get an appointment.
You don’t have to tell the receptionist why you want to see the doctor, although sometimes it might help to explain your situation.
The reception team are trained in offering you an appointment with the most suitable professional at the right time. Depending on your symptoms, you might see another healthcare professional such as a nurse first.
You may be asked to attend in person, especially if your GP needs to examine you. Or the receptionist may offer you a telephone or video appointment first. If your GP needs to see you after this they will ask you to make another appointment. The receptionist will give you a date and time for this.
Accept a booked appointment even if you think it’s a long time to wait. You could ask about cancellations if you're able to get to the surgery at short notice. Check that the surgery has the right details for you, including your telephone number and email.
Contact the GP surgery again if your symptoms change or get worse.
Last reviewed: 22 May 2023
Next review due: 22 May 2026
You usually start by seeing your GP. Or you may have had changes picked up through breast screening. Find out about being referred to a breast clinic and the tests you might have.
Get information about how doctors stage and grade breast cancer. In the UK, doctors use the TNM system to stage breast cancer. You may also be told about the number staging system.
You might have a referral to a breast clinic if your GP refers you due to symptoms, or following a positive result from your breast screening mammogram. Find out more.
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissue. Find out about who gets breast cancer and where it starts.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on a number of factors. Find out about breast cancer treatments, where and how you have them, and how to cope with possible side effects.
Find out about breast cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, survival, and how to cope with the effects on your life and relationships.
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