Breast Examinations

Early detection of breast cancer

Breast cancer cannot be prevented but receiving regular examinations are important in early detection. If you are able to catch breast cancer in early stages, you have a much higher chance of surviving, avoiding breast removal (mastectomy), and avoiding chemotherapy.

There are various ways to detect breast cancer and women are advised to do self-examinations regularly if possible. This includes looking for any abnormalities such as shape, colour, or distortion, feeling for lumps, and assessing yourself for any tenderness, unusual fluid coming from the nipples (any fluid not related to breastfeeding), or soreness.

A comprehensive physical breast exam can be complex and you may feel more comfortable with a doctor completing these checks for you. Our female GPs are all experienced, professional, and highly skilled in completing breast examinations. 

During your appointment, our GP will ask you about any concerns you may have regarding breast cancer. They will also take a brief medical history to find out if you are at greater risk of breast cancer. Once you are comfortable and happy for them to proceed, they will complete the physical exam, explaining the process, if you would prefer, in order to help you relax. 

You can discuss any worries you have with a female GP who is there to listen and understand your concerns.

In most cases, you will be given the all-clear and will be free to go. The screening will give you peace of mind and you can schedule another routine check-up in the future if you are worried.

If any abnormalities are discovered, you may be referred to a private hospital for further testing and a mammography, but any additional costs will be discussed with you in advance.

Further testing for Breast Cancer

If our female GP detects any abnormalities during your physical examination, they will refer you for further testing. Our GP may recommend blood tests which can be carried out at the time and sent to our laboratory for analysis. We may also refer you to a private hospital for a mammogram. A mammogram is a specialist X-ray used to look for any tissue abnormalities in your breasts.

Mammograms are the standard way of checking for breast cancer, but have been known to provide false positives, for this reason we will always book you a physical examination with one of our female GPs before considering blood tests and referrals for diagnostic tests.

If you do need a mammogram, we will be able to refer you to a private breast screening scan clinic, we work with many hospitals and clinics in the area to ensure continued standard of care.

Your scans will be looked at by specialists and you will be contacted quickly with your results. Usually, around 1 in 25 women will be called back for further tests, and 1 in 4 of those will receive a cancer diagnosis.

Why choose Summerfield Healthcare?

Getting the right care and treatment is vital for a full recovery from any condition, especially cancer. It is often a difficult and lengthy process to get an appointment through the NHS for either a physical exam or a breast cancer detection screen. This can be a stressful and frustrating time if you feel as though you may have breast cancer.

When you choose Summerfield Healthcare, we offer fast, discreet, professional medical care at the highest standard. You will be seen by an experienced female GP and we will make sure you feel comfortable and that you are not rushed through your consultation. You can be assured of fast appointment and result times and outstanding care. Your health and wellbeing are our primary concern, and we will do all that we can to help you maintain your health.

Book today

Booking a breast examination with our female GPs is quick and easy. This is carried out as part of a GP consultation, we do not require a referral and can offer short notice appointments in both of our clinics that will suit your schedule.

Book online, email your enquiry to [email protected] or call our reception team on 0333 9000 010. Summerfield Healthcare’s medical reception team are specially trained to deal with all enquiries in a professional, prompt & private manner.