Breast services patient information

Preparing for your breast appointment

Do's and don'ts for your appointment

Please follow the guidelines below to help you prepare for your visit to our breast clinic. Being well-prepared helps your appointment run smoothly and ensures you receive the best care.

Do's for your appointment:

  • Arrive 10 minutes early: Ensure you check in on time to avoid delays.
  • Wear separates: A top and bottom make it easier for examinations.
  • Call ahead if you are running late: If you expect to be delayed, please inform us as soon as possible. Call us at: 020 3313 0477
  • Cancel or reschedule in advance: If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to offer your slot to another patient who needs care. Call the booking team on 020 3313 5000

*Some of our patients who use our patient transport services, and who have late weekday, or weekend appointments have experienced long delays waiting for their return trip home. If you have been given an appointment after 3pm, Monday to Friday or at any time on Saturday or Sunday please can you call the number at the top of your appointment letter, and we will rebook your appointment to a more suitable time so that you can avoid these delays.

Don'ts for your appointment:

  • Don't arrive late: If you arrive late, you may not be seen, as it will be at the discretion of the clinician and depend on how busy the clinic is.
  • Don't forget your imaging and report (if applicable):
    If you have been referred to the one-stop rapid diagnostic breast clinic due to an issue identified on imaging from another hospital, you must bring your imaging and report with you or arrange with your GP for these to be sent to us in advance.
    • Without these, we will not be able to complete your assessment, and you will be asked to return within three weeks with the required documents.
    • If you cannot provide your imaging within three weeks, we will need to conduct new imaging and potentially repeat a biopsy, which may delay your diagnosis, as per protocol.
    • To avoid any delays, please ensure you have your imaging with you. If you need to reschedule your appointment to a date when your imaging will be available, please call us at 020 3313 5000.

Preparing for your one stop rapid diagnostic appointment

What will happen during your appointment at the one stop rapid diagnostic clinic

When you arrive at the breast clinic, please register with the reception team. You will be seen by a doctor who specialises in breast diseases. During your appointment, you will:

  1. Discuss your symptoms and have a physical examination
  2. Undergo imaging of the breast
    • If you are over 35, you will usually have a mammogram (an x-ray of the breast). You may also have an ultrasound scan.
    • If you are under 35, you will typically have an ultrasound scan, as it is more effective for younger breast tissue.
  3. Needle biopsy (if needed)
    If necessary, a biopsy will be performed based on your physical examination and imaging results.

Since tests are usually done on the same day, please allow up to three hours for your appointment. If you are unable to stay for the entire duration, you may need to re-book your appointment.

Important preparation tips:

  • You will be asked to undress from the waist up, so we recommend wearing a separate top and bottom (e.g., a blouse and trousers).
  • Avoid using deodorant or talcum powder on the day of your appointment, as they can affect mammogram results. If needed, facilities are available to wash off these products.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth and efficient appointment process.

Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to supporting you during your visit.

 

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