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What can I expect at an appointment with a breast cancer specialist?

Sandra Krishnan • Dec 23, 2021

A brief description of what to expect

If you’ve been referred to a breast clinic by your GP or if you’ve been recalled following routine breast screening, it’s natural to feel anxious or worried. The vast majority of people who are seen at a breast clinic will not have breast cancer. However, it’s still important to attend your breast clinic appointment so you can be fully assessed


Being referred to a breast clinic by your GP

GPs decide whether or not to refer you to a breast clinic and how quickly a person should be seen depends on their symptoms. A patient with signs and symptoms that may suggest breast cancer should see a GP within 2 weeks. Optimally, tests should be done within 2 weeks. A positive result on any component of the triple test warrants specialist surgical referral. Ideally, the surgeon should see the patient with proven or suspected cancer within 2 weeks of diagnosis. If necessary, prior discussion should facilitate referral.

What to expect

How can I prepare for my appointment with a breast surgical oncologist?

Usually, you might have been referred by your GP, occasionally by another Specialist. If you’ve been referred to a breast clinic, keep in mind that the majority of people will not have breast cancer, there are many benign breast conditions that need assessment and management too. It is very important to attend the breast clinic appointment so you can be assessed and examined, and further tests if required can be done. Read all about best breast cancer care here.

How Covid 19 may affect my breast clinic appointment?

Currently, we have measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus, this may mean that you won’t have someone with you during your appointment. There will be exceptions in certain circumstances. Let us know if you are unwell or have any symptoms. On arrival, check in as usual. Please bear with us as we manage this time as safely as possible for everyone. 


To prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Maintain a safe distance from others (at least 1 metre), even if they don’t appear to be sick.
  • Wear a mask in public, especially indoors or when physical distancing is not possible.
  • Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window if indoors.
  • Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Get vaccinated when it’s your turn. Follow local guidance about vaccination.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell.


What if my appointment to the breast clinic is following a routine screening mammogram, where I had been recalled?


Following routine screening, if you had been recalled for further imaging and tests, you might have been referred for further surgical assessment and management by Dr Sandra Krishnan. This may mean you have a suspicious lesion or imaging finding that needs an open ‘surgical’ biopsy. Alternatively, a biopsy could have been done which shows a lesion that requires a formal excision. You can learn more about routine breast screening.


What will my consultation be like and what do I expect at the breast clinic?


Your appointment may take one to several hours so that all critical tests can be carried out. You will usually have a full consultation with Dr Krishnan including a breast examination, followed by one or more of the following tests:

  •  imaging: mammogram and/or ultrasound scan
  •  biopsy: core biopsy or fine needle aspiration (FNA)

Please bring a partner, friend or relative with you for support, unless you prefer to go on your own.

You may be asked to fill in a short questionnaire before you are seen. This includes questions about:

  • any family history of breast problems
  • any medicines you are taking, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the contraceptive pill
  • any previous breast surgery, including breast implants

What about breast examination, how is that done? 

During your breast examination, Dr Krishnan will check both your breasts when you are sitting, and again when you are lying down. As part of the examination, it is normal to examine lymph nodes (also called glands) under your arms (axilla) and around your neck.


This is part of the Triple test below, which is necessary to make a definite diagnosis.

  • breast examination
  • breast imaging (for example, a mammogram or an ultrasound scan)
  • tissue removal (core biopsy or FNA)

When will I get my results?

Your assessment may be done during your visit to the clinic. Some test results may be available later that day, but if you have a core biopsy this will take longer. In some areas, you may be asked to make another appointment to finish your tests or to get your results. If this happens, you may have to wait about a week for your test results.

Key principles of management and care are further discussed at this guidance breast cancer site.

  • Patient-centred care
  • Safe and quality care
  • Multidisciplinary care
  • Supportive care
  • Care coordination
  • Communication
  • Research and clinical trials

What about the cost of attending the clinic? 

You may have to pay for some appointments, tests, medications, accommodation, travel or parking. Speak with your GP, specialist or private health insurer (if you have one) to understand what is covered and what your out-of-pocket costs may be. If you have concerns about costs talk to your healthcare team or a social worker about: 

  • being bulk-billed or being treated in the public system 
  • help with accommodation during treatment 
  • the possible financial impact of your treatment

Here are some resources for further information regarding financial assistance and treatment payments.


Further support

If you’ve been referred to a breast clinic, it is normal to feel worried that you have breast cancer and you may have many concerns. If you have a question about breast health or breast cancer, you can email Dr Krishnan’s Sydney Adventist Hospital NSO clinic at admin@nsogroup.com.au

“The function of freedom is to free someone else.” —Toni Morrison

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