Check4Cancer is providing fast-track access to our national network of ‘OneStop Breast Clinics’ located in London and throughout the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We understand that this is a very anxious time if you think you may have recently developed symptoms of breast cancer, such as a breast lump, breast pain, nipple discharge or nipple inversion and think you cannot access breast cancer diagnosis appointments during this time. You may be concerned that one of the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak is that NHS outpatient capacity has been drastically reduced and some referrals are now being prioritised over others. Recently, many NHS trusts have now moved to a position where some patients will no longer be eligible for the urgent two-week wait pathway for breast cancer diagnosis and their appointments may be cancelled.
Check4Cancer is still able to provide rapid access into our national network of breast pathways through our ‘OneStop Breast Clinics’ . We are also pleased to offer a new London ‘OneStop Breast Clinic’ for younger patients who will no longer be seen in NHS breast clinics, which is most likely to affect the following groups:
- women < 25 years if age with any symptoms
- women <35 years of age with breast pain
- men <50 with any breast symptoms
Professor Wishart, Check4Cancer’s Chief Medical Officer comments; ‘’ we appreciate that these measures are mandatory given the current NHS resources, but recognise that this may cause considerable distress and anxiety for these patients’’.
Professor Wishart’s research has previously shown that the use of triple assessment (breast examination, breast imaging+/-biopsy) will make the correct diagnosis in 99.6% of all breast patients¹ and Professor Wishart advises; ‘’I still firmly believe that having access to all investigations on the same day is better for the patient, and more likely to provide the most accurate diagnosis.’’
Our network of ‘OneStop Breast Clinics’ accept referrals from self-funding patients and the initial consultation fee is £270 for clinics based in London and £250 for clinics outside of London. Patients insured with AXA, PPP, Vitality or Cigna may be eligible for referral via their insurance company.
What can I expect at my breast diagnosis appointment?
OneStop Breast Clinics offer private breast investigations with triple assessment, providing thorough and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. You will be seen by a highly experienced consultant breast surgeon and the triple assessment performed at your appointment will cover the following areas:
- Clinical breast examination (included in the initial consultation fee of £250 or £270 in London).
- Breast ultrasound and/or mammography (additional fee if required).
- Needle core biopsy if lump is found (additional fee if required).
Who is this service for?
- If you are concerned about having symptoms of breast cancer, such as a breast lump, breast pain, nipple discharge or nipple inversion this service is for you.
How do I book my appointment?
If you would like to arrange an appointment, then please call us on 0800 085 6616.
Check4Cancer understands that this is a difficult time for all breast patients, whether referred to the NHS or private sector and we will continue to update and adapt our services to combat whatever challenges arise as a result of Coronavirus.
COVID-19 Statement
We would like to reassure you about the safety of our breast diagnostic pathways in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. We are working very closely with our Consultants to ensure that all necessary Government advice is being followed. As a result of this, we continue to be able to provide rapid access into our national network of breast pathways.
If you have travelled overseas, have a fever of at least 37.8 degrees Celsius or have developed a new, dry persistent cough, please do not attend your appointment and contact our team who will be happy to reschedule for you.
Reference
- Britton PD, Duffy S, Sinnatamby R, Wallis M, Barter S, O’Neill A, Carlos C, Brenton JD, Forouhi P, Wishart GC. One-stop diagnostic breast clinics: how often are breast cancers missed? Br J Cancer 2009; 100: 1873-1878.
