14/10/2026
💙This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s meet our breast diagnostic team.
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“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK with 1 in 7 women being diagnosed over the course of their lifetime.
“Breast awareness is crucial all year round and a basic skill we remind our patients of is a monthly self-examination by using the flat hand to feel through all the breast tissue. We would strongly advise anyone to get in touch with their GP to seek referral to us if you notice a new lump in the breast, breast changes, distortion of the breast or bloody ni**le discharge.
“We are a team of five and we run at least two clinics every day across RBH and West Berkshire. Our service looks after women and men above the age of 16 who have a symptomatic breast concern, such as a breast lump or ni**le discharge. We see around 110 patients each week and triage approximately 450 referrals every month.
“We see patients with a wide range of concerns. While the main question is whether or not the concern could be breast cancer, we also look after patients with benign breast conditions, such as abscesses.
“Our work starts with listening. We take a detailed history, perform a clinical breast examination and decide what investigations are appropriate. We arrange imaging, review radiology reports and explain the results and next steps.
“We aim to carry out the assessment and imaging within one visit, making our service a true one-stop shop.
“Our work also extends beyond the consultation. We communicate with patients, GPs and colleagues by telephone and written correspondence, with each clinician producing more than 150 letters every month. We also coordinate Family History Surveillance and Benign Disease Surveillance of nearly 1.000 patients and support the wider Breast Service, including providing first assistance in theatre.
“For many patients, attending a Breast Clinic can be an anxious and stressful experience. Sometimes our role involves difficult conversations and breaking bad news. Clinical expertise is essential, but so are compassion, communication and the ability to support patients while they are waiting for answers.”
