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. 1
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. 2
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. 3
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. 4
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 5
PIN 209/V3 Review date: April 2016