Left in the Dark

For many women, waiting for an appointment with a breast specialist after a GP’s referral is like being ‘left in the dark’. It’s an anxious time, even though, in most cases, these women don’t have breast cancer.

At Breakthrough, we’ve been campaigning since 2003 to ensure that all women referred by their GP to a breast specialist wait no longer than two weeks for an appointment.

The two-week maximum wait has been achieved for urgent referrals. However, many women given routine referrals are still waiting several weeks for their appointment.

In its 2007 Cancer Reform Strategy, the Government recognised patients’ concerns and made a commitment to meeting the two-week target for all patients referred with breast problems across England by 1st January 2010.

To support healthcare professionals and the NHS, Breakthrough has worked with the National Cancer Action Team to produce a guide for breast units on how they can meet the two-week wait for all patients referred with breast problems.

GPs in England use National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines to assess whether a woman’s breast problems require an urgent or routine referral to a breast specialist.

GPs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use similar guidelines.

Take action by becoming a member of Breakthrough CAN and support our national campaigns.

 

For more information about Breakthrough’s Left in the Dark campaign contact Lizzie Cook, Senior Local Engagement Officer at lizziec@breakthrough.org.uk or call 020 7025 0277.