Breast cancer is the commonest malignant condition to affect women, with a 1:10 lifetime risk of developing the disease. However, survival rate has improved over the last 20 years in Scotland, with the 5 year all-cause mortality for those with treated invasive breast cancer now well above 70% (73.2%, 2012, ISD).
A woman presenting with breast problems is a common occurrence in general practice. General practitioners can expect to see up to 30 new presentations per 1000 women per year, with problems ranging from mild breast pain to frank malignancy.
There is an increased awareness of breast disease in the population due to a combination of education, breast screening and media coverage. This has led to an increased presentation of all breast symptoms to the GP and a corresponding increase in referrals, placing pressure on specialist breast clinics, resulting in delayed patient appointments.
Referral guidelines are an attempt to help with this problem. Referral Guidelines are based on the 2019 Scottish Cancer Referral Guidelines and the 2023 Modernising Patient Pathways Programme.
Edinburgh Breast Unit
Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU
At Edinburgh Breast Unit a surgeon will always be available to discuss referral or general management issues with GPs (all Lothian). During office hours (8.30am-5.00pm), call the numbers below. Out of hours call via the WGH switchboard (0131 537 1000).
Tel: 0131 537 2649
Ward 6: 0131 537 1631
| Consultants | Consultants | Speciality Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Mr M Barber | Mr O Young | Mr K El Nageh |
| Prof JM Dixon | Mr I Young | Mr S Rao |
| Miss T Fernandez | Miss Victoria Webber | |
| Mr D Kulkarni | Mr Kenneth Elder | |
| Mr T Saleem |
Edinburgh, Midlothian, and East Lothian patients should be referred to the Edinburgh Breast Unit.
West Lothian patients should be referred to St John’s Hospital.
Family History of Breast Cancer is under the care of the Clinical Genetics Department
Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU Tel: 0131 537 1116. Please see the link above for details on this service.
Cancer Navigation Hub
Patients with Breast Cancer are provided with the number for the Cancer Navigation Hub. Calls can be directed to the most appropriate care team including the Breast Cancer Nurses. The Cancer Navigation Hub can be accessed by calling 0300 123 1600 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, excluding most public holidays).
J.B & M.B, L.P 7-11- 23
Please see tabs at the top of the page for specific information regarding referral for individual conditions.
Please see tabs at the top of the page for specific information regarding primary care management for individual conditions.
