We see patients from across Buckinghamshire to diagnose and treat benign (non cancerous) and malignant breast conditions.
Our dedicated team of breast care nurses, radiographers and support staff provide the very best possible treatment and care in a friendly, relaxed environment.
We continually work with you treat you as an individual. From diagnosis through to treatment and after-care, we help you every step of the way with support and guidance.
You’ll see someone in our Bucks Breast Care One Stop Clinic. Your GP may have referred you because you have breast pain, lumps or nipple discharge.
Usually you’ll get an appointment to see us within 2 weeks.
Our clinics happen every week day at Wycombe Hospital.
You’ll have a clinical exam by a breast care consultant. Depending on your symptoms, you may have a:
We do all examinations, scans and biopsies on the same day. You may need to be at the clinic for 3 to 4 hours.
Usually on the same day. If you have a biopsy, we’ll arrange an appointment for 1 to 2 weeks later to get your results.
If you need further tests, for example an MRI scan you’ll need to return at a later date.
A specialist breast care nurse will be available if you need support during your appointment and examination.
It uses an x-ray test called a mammogram to check the breast for signs of cancer. Breast screening can spot cancers that are too small to see or feel.
Breast screening can also help to find small changes in the breast before any other signs or symptoms. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment.
Anyone registered with a GP in Buckinghamshire as a female and aged 50 to 70 years. We have a list from GP records, so you must make sure your details are correct.
You’ll get the invitation automatically, so there’s no need to phone and make your own appointment. You’ll get your first invitation for a mammogram sometime between your 50th and 53rd birthdays.
Find out more about when you’ll get an invitation for breast screening and how often.
If you’re over 70 years old you can still have a free breast screen every 3 years. You won’t get an invitation so you’ll need to call us on 01494 425689 to make an appointment.
You can also call us if it’s been over 3 years since your last breast screening appointment.
Usually at our static unit in the Breast Care Centre at Wycombe Hospital, or one of our mobile units which mover around the area. Your appointment will usually be at a location within the area of your GP’s surgery.
Your invitation letter will show the:
Call us on 01494 323300 so we can arrange an alternative time, date or location.
You can also call us on the same number above if you have:
We’ll discuss your needs and arrange a suitable time slot and location so we can give you the best possible care.
When you arrive, the mammographer (the member of staff doing the mammogram) will check your details. They’ll also ask you about any breast problems you may have had.
You can also ask any questions you may have.
If you have a pacemaker, tell the mammographer and show them the site of the pacemaker. It may hide the small amount of breast tissue behind the pacemeaker which may prevent it from being shown on x-ray. The film readers can only report on the breast tissue that they can see on your mammogram.
Find out more about what happens during your mammogram appointment
You’ll get your results within 2 weeks.
Find out what to expect from your breast screening results.
Call us on 01494 323240 if you have any concerns before your assessment appointment.
You may need to come to our assessment clinic after a recent mammogram.
When you arrive you’ll meet a breast care nurse who’ll explain what will happen during the clinic.
Find out more about what to expect from our assessment clinic.
You may need a follow up appointment to get results about needle tests, or biopsies.
A consultant will see you and talk about your results. They’ll also recommend a plan of treatment if needed.
It’s often quite a busy clinic and the wait time can sometimes be 1 to 3 hours. You can bring someone with you.
You should also have the opportunity to discuss the results/treatment plan with your own designated clinical nurse specialist. They can give you information and make additional appointments for you to to return to clinic and discuss things on a separate day. This can give you time to digest the information, and think about any questions you may wany to ask.
If you need an operation, we usually do it within 1 or 2 weeks.
Sometimes we can do breast operations, including cancer procedures, as day cases. Before your operation, we’ll explain the procedure in detail and go through it again with you on the day of surgery.
These vary depending on your symptoms but may include:
If you need to stay in hospital overnight, our ward nurses and breast care nurses will look after you. Your surgeon will see you regularly after the operation and we’ll make an outpatient appointment for you in our follow-up clinic.
Being breast aware is about:
Find out more about how to check your breasts and what to look out for
Don’t delay. Call your GP immediately.
Most breast changes aren’t cancer. Reassurance and advice will always help, and early detection means treatment will likely be more simple.
“I’ve been a sister in a busy gynaecology ward and therefore can have a critical eye when it comes to patient care.
I was extremely anxious about my appointment to investigate a breast lump (a cyst thank goodness) that I had recently noticed. I was seen within 2 weeks of my visit to my GP.
I was greeted warmly by a very friendly receptionist which instantly relaxed me and within a few minutes after completing a form I was called for a mammogram. I was seen swiftly, the radiographer was kind and professional, it was only slightly uncomfortable. It wasn’t at all painful.
The rest of my appointment was thorough, I was seen by a nurse and consultant who spent time with me without rushing. I felt well looked after and that the staff really cared. I couldn’t find fault with the service and I came away feeling reassured and confident that if I needed to return in the future, I wouldn’t be anxious about the process.
I’d like to encourage any woman who feels afraid of seeing their GP about a breast lump not to be. All the staff are extremely professional and kind. We’re very lucky to have a first class breast unit at Wycombe Hospital.”
“Earlier this year I was given an appointment to attend the mobile unit in Stokenchurch rather than Wycombe Hospital. The mobile unit was only a few minutes from my house, so I was thrilled as I work from home and was able to go in my break.
I’m always very anxious having a mammogram as breast cancer runs in my family, so to have the appointment just up the road instantly eased my anxiety as it reduced my time away from work.
On entering the portacabin I was immediately welcomed by the receptionist and the entry system and waiting area was very safe and secure (my appointment was during the pandemic) so I felt immediately at ease. I only had to wait a few minutes and was seen by a delightful mammographer who fully explained the procedure and took her time positioning me and made me feel very at ease.
I wasn’tt rushed and felt I was treated and cared for as an individual.
On leaving I felt like I’d had a wonderful experience – safe, very confidential, very professional staff and such efficiency. I wanted this positive feedback to be handed back to the team so they know what wonderful staff the breast care team from Wycombe Hospital are.”
“I didn’t want to tell my story but now feel I must. I was called for a routine mammogram in July, then recalled, but thought it was just dodgy film. I was told I had cancer. Gobsmacked as no lump or pain and no family occurrences. Biopsies confirmed it.
I had chip insert (pain free) radioactive dye then surgery. The cells jumped the boundary, so I had a second op. The results again showed the boundary extended. So, I made the choice to have a mastectomy.
I went in at 7.30am and was home by 2.45pm. I’d had three surgeries in three months. No pain, although I had to have manual drainage several times. I’m now cancer free. I didn’t want reconstruction but got a lovely bra and prosthetic boobie. I was measured correctly for first time in my life.
So please, please, please go for your mammogram when called. I’ve met the most amazing people with their own stories. The breast care team and day surgery team at Wycombe Hospital are real stars.
I can’t put into words how grateful I am. I’m alive.”
“I’d like to share my extremely positive experience in the assessment clinic where I had excellent care and kindness from the screening breast care nurse which began before I had my appointment. No one likes to hear they need to be assessed in a breast care clinic, I was nervous and worried about the appointment and unknown outcome.
I spoke to the screening breast care nurse before my appointment, and she explained the process, reassuring me that I’d be well looked after. She met me in reception when I arrived and took the time to guide me through the appointment. I fortunately didn’t need a biopsy only aspiration of a cyst, however, she and all the staff were friendly and so kind.
The clinic was run very efficiently. I had very short waiting times between the different stages, for example, the mammogram and the ultrasound scan, results and final consultation. I was very well looked after.
I would encourage anyone who is worried about their visit to contact the lovely nurse and her team who will without a doubt reassure you that you’ll be in the good hands of kind, experienced and professional staff and will receive the best possible care.”
Breast care patient information
01494 323300
9am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
In the rear building (green zone).
Level 2 entrance 6 (also signposted for antenatal and gynaecology services).
Parking available in car parks A and B.
