Thank you all for replying - much appreciated.

I have an appt next week at St George's so quicker than I thought. I will see what happens and take it from there.

Thanks Julian for the advice re: 2nd opinions. Yes, I am wary of misdiagnosis. Can have huge consequences ...

Thanks

I've had cancer twice and without going into the minutae I would recommend this. Get at least 2 opinions, ideally from centres unconnected with each other. I was diagnosed incorrectly 3 times over my treatment and only found out because I would not accept the initial finding.

Best wishes.

I was seen at St Thomas', which is linked with Guys. Very similar service to StGeorges with a one stop clinic and a requirement to be seen within two weeks. I required surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy following a positive result, all of which were carried out between St Thomas' and London Bridge.p Hospital. Hopefully none of you will get such a result, but the treatment and the support I got was excellent.

I'm in the same position as the OP but St Georges had no appointments. Just wondering if anyone has ever been referred to Guy's?
TIA

Hi,

In september I was sent to St George breast cancer Unit for a routine check up. I had a scan and a mammo. I finally ended up having a biopsy straight away to rule out some strange marks which had appeared on the screen.
I had scans and mammos in France on a regular basis before, but never had a biopsy. I had to be honest I was scared....the staff was brilliant, extremely professional and reassuring. This unit is brand new, all the equipments is recent. People are friendly. Like it has been said before, it would not be better on private ( I used to do it in France).
You will get an appointment within 2 weeks. The only negative point is that you migt have to spend there at least 2 hours or more.
Get a good book or some company ! you will be fine ! I had a lump for at least 14 years and it doesn't mean that you cancer .....

I had a referral for a lump at St George's. They are pretty efficient. They all have the same scanning equipment so unless there is a long wait I don't see why you would need to go private. I was in and out very quickly and very happy with the care offered.

Best of luck whatever you choose.

I was seen by Mr Richard Cummins (Australian) at Parkside as it was covered by BUPA and I could be seen straight away on a Saturday. He was very good, personable and put me at ease. He did an exam, sent me for a mammogram to be sure, and saw me again all with a very short period. You have some other great reccomendations but thought I would mention another. I hope you get your results soon as it can be worrying.

I have also been to the Rose Centre recently, though for a routine check rather than a referral. My first ever breast examination, and the staff were lovely, the centre is new and clean, and as above, reassurance given on the day. All in all a very good experience- if that's the way to describe it

I've also been to the Rose Centre at St Georges, they were excellent, can't praise them highly enough. My referral came through within a week or so, I got seen within minutes of arrival. The consultant was able to reassure me straight away. It really is an excellent service, I don't think you could get better by going private. If only the rest of the NHS were as competent!

The NHS have to see you within 2 weeks and they will conduct all necessary tests there and then. An excellent service and St Georges is as good as any. Most lumps turn out to be nothing so hopefully you'll be fine. If, God forbid, you do need any further consultations, I would also recommend Nick Beechy-Newman who has been my consultant for many years.

There is a fabulous specialist at the Park side Hospital in Wimbledom. I can't remember exactly his name but I think it was Mr Sharma at the Breast clinic. I had lumpy boobs..still do, and he saw me, and immediately booked me in for a mammogram, persuading the radiography team that they could easily fit me in that afternoon. It was all clear but he was so reassuring.
Good luck

I've been to St G's breast centre (the Rose Centre I think it's called) and they're very good. It's in a separate building from the main hospital so you get a sense of privacy.

After a mammogram done as part of a BUPA medical I was referred to Nicholas Beechey Newman, a specialist breast consultant at London Bridge Hospital, he also consults in Old Broad Street in the City.

This was done privately as the medical was covered by medical insurance through work. I was given an appointment within 24 hours and Mr Beechey Newman and his team were incredibly reassuring and professional. If you google his name you will find all the details. I would definitely recommend him.

We've also had quite a lot of experience of referrals and other medical care at St George's and have not had a bad experience yet, so if you are referred there I am sure you will be in very safe hands.

Good luck, I hope you are seen soon, the waiting time is extremely worrying, and hope you have a positive outcome.

Oh dear ... Whiskey? Thanks for the warning!
The GP said I would get an appointment very quickly so hopefully I will. Good to know about the private places you listed. Thanks.

P.S. For breasts, you don't want to see a gynae but a breast specialist/oncologist. I've used the London Breast Institute, which was OK, but they mainly seem to be radiologists and, though competent, I have felt rushed every time I've been. I've also been to the London Breast Clinic who were overpriced and the doctor I saw smelled of whisky!