Hello
i have received a referral following a doctors appointment for an abnormal lump. My referral appointment says “suspected cancer”. In the appointment she said not to worry but that seems like quite a scary term for the appointment. Does that mean it’s likely to be cancer or is it a general term used for an appointment?
thank you!
Hi ShaAsks,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Sarah and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists.
Breast lumps are common and can be caused by different reasons and most are not cancer.
Your GP has requested an urgent referral which can sound scary as this is also known as the ‘suspected cancer pathway referral’. This doesn’t mean to say you do have cancer it’s just because you have an unexplained breast lump.
It might be helpful to read what happens at a breast clinic appointment so that you can feel more prepared.
I appreciate its easier said than done but try and keep yourself busy while you are waiting to be seen at the breast clinic as this can help pass the time away more quickly.
I really hope this information was helpful. Please know, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.
Take care and best wishes,
Sarah (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref: SMc/GH
