Breast pain alone is not a symptom of cancer (NICE guidelines NG12, 2015) and patients don't need to be automatically referred on an urgent suspected cancer (USC) pathway. Breast pain clinics support these patients.

Breast pain clinics provide patients with a consultation and physical assessment. Patients will be given advice and information on symptom management.

Patients with any breast abnormalities will be upgraded to a suspected breast cancer pathway.

To manage at risk patients, complete a breast family history risk assessment, and make an onward referral if required.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

• aged 16+
• breast pain  
• no other breast and axilla related signs or symptoms (such as lumps, nipple discharge)

Exclusions

• any clinical signs requiring a referral to an urgent suspected cancer breast clinic
• past personal medical history of breast cancer 
• patient has implants
• male patients
• pregnant patients

How to Refer

Locations

Bounds Green Health Centre (Whittington Health)

Edgware Community Hospital

Finchley Memorial Hospital

James Wigg Practice