Breast Disease

Breast cancer is the most common (non-skin) cancer in affecting women in Scotland, with more than 5,000 new cases each year. Breast cancer is much less likely in men, with approximately 40 cases per year in Scotland.

Incidence rises from age 30 in women (>99.5% cases are in women aged 30 yrs or over) and from age 45 in men (>90% of new cases are in men aged 45 or over).

Most breast cancers are diagnosed at an early stage (1 or 2). Stage distribution differs by deprivation, with women living in more deprived areas being more likely to experience an advanced stage breast cancer diagnosis.

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 2025 Scottish Cancer Referral Guidelines and the Modernising Patient Pathways for Symptomatic Breast presentations.

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

Working in the unit are Consultant Breast Surgeons, Specialty Doctors, and Clinical Nurse Specialists. Please see the Edinburgh Cancer Centre website for details of current staff.

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.

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 4pm, excluding most public holidays).

TF, EC, LP & JB FEB 26