Your guide to discharge from the breast clinic

Northumbria Healthcare
NHS Foundation Trust
Your guide to discharge
from the breast clinic
Issued by the Breast Team
This leaflet gives you information about your
discharge from the Breast Clinic.
Why am I being discharged from the clinic?
You have been seen regularly in the breast clinic to check that all
is well following your previous breast cancer treatment.
You are now much less likely to develop problems as the risk of
this reduces as time goes by. As it is now some years since you
completed your treatment, the guidelines drawn up by the North
of England Cancer Network advise that you be discharged from
the clinic. We will readily see you again if you have a problem in
the future.
What about mammograms in future?
Until now your mammograms have been arranged through the
breast clinic. In future you will be sent an invitation to attend for
your mammogram through the National Breast Screening
Programme. This would normally be done every three years and
may be at one of the mobile units while it is in your local area. You
do not need to have a mammogram more often than this.
Women over 73 are not routinely invited for mammogram but we
would encourage you to request this by contacting the breast
screening office – Telephone: (0191) 282 0202.
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What symptoms do I need to look out for?
If you notice any of the following symptoms you should visit your
GP:
• Recent changes in the area of your surgery including rashes or
spots that don’t go away.
• New lumps at the site of your surgery.
• New lumps in the armpit or neck.
• New lumps or changes in the other breast or armpit.
You should also visit your GP with any other changes in your
general health, including:
• New and persistent shortness of breath or cough.
• New and persistent back or neck pain.
• New and persistent other aches and pains.
• Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms may not be related to your previous breast
cancer but your GP can advise you.
What if my GP finds a problem?
If your GP feels there is a problem that needs investigating, you
will be referred back to the breast clinic where this can be
assessed. If you have any concerns or queries following your
discharge from the Breast Clinic do not hesitate to contact your
breast care nurse who will do her best to help.
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Prosthetic fitting
You may need a new prosthesis if your:
• body weight / shape changes, especially if you lose weight or
put weight on;
• the silicone deteriorates, meaning the prosthesis is not giving
you the correct shape.
Who do I contact to make an appointment for a new
prosthesis?
Please contact your breast care nurse or breast practitioner at
your local hospital when you require a new prosthesis. They will
then arrange an appointment for you to come to the clinic.
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Contact numbers
If you require any further information or advice
please contact the breast practitioners and nurses:
Breast practitioners
Wansbeck General Hospital (01670) 529391 or 529636
Breast care nurses
North Tyneside General Hospital
(0191) 293 4183
Wansbeck General Hospital (01670) 529319
Hexham General Hospital (01434) 655386
Monday to Friday, 8.30am -4.30pm
Please leave us an answer phone message outside of these
hours and we will contact you as soon as we can.
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Sources of information
Northumbria Breast Care Service
www.northumbria.nhs.uk/menu.asp?id=247462
Breast Cancer Care
www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support
0808 808 0000 www.macmillan.org.uk
Cancer Help UK (Cancer Research UK)
0808 808 4040 www.cancerhelp.org.uk
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PIN 209/V4
Review date: December 2017