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Moorlands Rural PCN

Primary Care Network

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Breast Health

Breast Health

Our practice provides assessment, advice and referral for breast symptoms in line with national guidance from the NHS.

Most breast changes are not cancer, but it is important to have any new or unusual symptoms checked promptly.

We are committed to:

  • Early identification of concerning symptoms

  • Timely referral where required

  • Clear safety-netting advice

  • Supporting patients to attend national screening

Breast Awareness Guidance

Being breast aware means knowing what is normal for you.

You do not need to check your breasts in a specific way or at a spec

ific time of month. Instead, try to become familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel.

Look and feel for:

  • A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit

  • A change in size or shape

  • Skin changes (dimpling, puckering, redness)

  • Nipple changes (inversion, discharge, rash)

  • Persistent pain in one area

Breasts naturally change with:

  • Hormonal cycles

  • Pregnancy

  • Breastfeeding

  • Age

If you notice any new or persistent change, please contact the practice.

Further information:

Breast Pain and Lumps

Breast Pain (Mastalgia)

Breast pain is common and is rarely a sign of cancer.

It may be:

  • Cyclical (linked to periods)

  • Non-cyclical

  • Related to chest wall or muscular pain

If breast pain is persistent, worsening, or associated with other changes, we recommend booking an appointment for assessment.

Breast Lumps

Many breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous) and may be due to:

  • Cysts

  • Fibroadenomas

  • Hormonal changes

However, any new lump should be assessed by a clinician.

Referral Pathways

If clinically indicated, we follow the NICE suspected cancer referral pathway.

Patients with concerning symptoms may be referred under the 2-week wait (urgent suspected cancer) pathway to a specialist breast clinic.

At the breast clinic you may have:

  • Clinical examination

  • Ultrasound or mammogram

  • Biopsy if required

We ensure:

  • Clear explanation of referral

  • Written information where appropriate

  • Safety-netting advice

  • Follow-up of referral outcomes

If you have not received a hospital appointment within the expected timeframe, please contact the practice.

NHS Breast Screening Programme

The NHS Breast Screening Programme aims to detect breast cancer at an early stage before symptoms develop.

Who is invited?

In England:

  • Women aged 50 to 70 are invited every 3 years

  • Some areas are extending the age range to 47 to 73 as part of a national trial

You will receive an invitation letter automatically. Screening is carried out at local breast screening units.

What happens at screening?

  • A mammogram (breast X-ray) is performed

  • The appointment usually takes around 30 minutes

  • Results are sent by post

Breast screening is for people without symptoms. If you have breast symptoms, please book a GP appointment rather than waiting for screening.

Further information:

When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice

Please book an urgent appointment at your GP Practice if you experience:

  • A new breast lump

  • Persistent swelling in the armpit

  • Skin dimpling or changes

  • Bloody nipple discharge

  • Sudden nipple inversion

  • Redness or warmth with feeling unwell

WOMENS HEALTH HUB

What are Women’s Health Hubs?

Women’s Health Services

If you want to discuss any of these services further, please contact your GP practice to discuss further.