Your guide to dischargefrom the breast clinic

Issued by the Breast Team

Northumbria HealthcareNHS Foundation Trust

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This leaflet gives you information about yourdischarge from the Breast Clinic.

Why am I being discharged from the clinic?

You have been seen regularly in the breast clinic to check that allis well following your previous breast cancer treatment.

You are now much less likely to develop problems as the risk ofthis reduces as time goes by. As it is now some years since youcompleted your treatment, the guidelines drawn up by the Northof England Cancer Network advise that you be discharged fromthe clinic. We will readily see you again if you have a problem inthe future.

What about mammograms in future?

Until now your mammograms have been arranged through thebreast clinic. In future you will be sent an invitation to attend foryour mammogram through the National Breast ScreeningProgramme. This would normally be done every three years andmay be at one of the mobile units while it is in your local area. Youdo not need to have a mammogram more often than this.

Women over 73 are not routinely invited for mammogram but wewould encourage you to request this by contacting the breastscreening 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 yourGP:• Recent changes in the area of your surgery including rashes orspots 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 yourgeneral 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 breastcancer but your GP can advise you.

What if my GP finds a problem?

If your GP feels there is a problem that needs investigating, youwill be referred back to the breast clinic where this can beassessed. If you have any concerns or queries following yourdischarge from the Breast Clinic do not hesitate to contact yourbreast 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 orput weight on;

• the silicone deteriorates, meaning the prosthesis is not givingyou the correct shape.

Who do I contact to make an appointment for a newprosthesis?

Please contact your breast care nurse or breast practitioner atyour local hospital when you require a new prosthesis. They willthen arrange an appointment for you to come to the clinic.

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Contact numbers

If you require any further information or adviceplease contact the breast practitioners and nurses:

Breast practitionersWansbeck 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 thesehours and we will contact you as soon as we can.

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Sources of information

Northumbria Breast Care Servicewww.northumbria.nhs.uk/menu.asp?id=247462

Breast Cancer Carewww.breastcancercare.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support0808 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

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