Breast pain alone where there are no other symptoms, is not a symptom of cancer, although it can cause a lot of understandable anxiety. It is estimated that 12-20% of two week wait (2WW) breast referrals are for breast pain only with no other symptoms.

To improve patient experience and help safely manage the number of 2WW referrals for breast cancer Breast Pain Clinics are being set up by Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Foundation NHS Trust and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for those registered with a North / North East Lincolnshire or Vale of York / Scarborough Ryedale GP.  Women who have been examined in primary care and meet the referral criteria, including already having tried simple measures for three months will be able to be referred.

Referrals will be triaged by a breast consultant and the clinics will be led by experienced breast Advanced Nurse Practitioners. Women who are referred to the service will be offered an examination, specialist guidance, advice and support. If any other symptoms are found on examination, a 2WW referral will immediately be made to facilitate rapid further investigation.

Family history is a common cause of anxiety if a patient is experiencing breast pain. The clinics will also offer the opportunity to review their family history and those who are found to have a moderate – high risk can be referred to specialist services if required.