- Document type
- Clinical pathways
- Place
- Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
- Output type
- Clinical Pathways
- Pathway
- Breast Cancer - Suspected (Adults >16 years) Pathway
- Referral form
- Breast Cancer - Suspected (Adults >16 years)2WW Breast Cancer Suspected | Female - (ENHT)2WW Breast Cancer Suspected | Male - (ENHT)
Breast Cancer - Suspected (Adults >16 years)
Please see the pathway for comprehensive guidance on the management of patients with suspected breast cancer.
2WW referral should be made when:
- Male patient >40 years with breast mass, with or without nipple distortion or associated skin changes;
- Previous breast cancer plus symptom and signs suggestive of local recurrence/metastasis;
- Skin/nipple changes or discharge;
- Unresolved apparently benign symptoms e.g. abscesses/infection/nodularity not responding to treatment;
- Age >25 and unexplained breast/axillary lump with or without pain;
- Age <25 and lump persisting after period and strong family history of breast cancer.
2WW referrals should not be made in the following circumstances:
- Referrals for advice about family history of breast cancer (see https://cks.nice.org.uk/breast-cancer-managing-fh#!scenariorecommendation:1);
- Children (patients under the age of 16);
- Patients requiring breast augmentation, breast reduction or aesthetic surgery;
- Referrals of men for gynaecomastia surgery;
- Referrals for mammographic screening.
NB: If referring under 2WW please give patient 2WW Urgent Referral leaflet and What Happens Next? leaflet
The referral forms are available on Ardens and DXS