Clients to the centre require a referral letter.  Appointments are prioritised according to a standard national protocol by a senior doctor.  We provide appointments within 2 weeks for urgent cases and 6/12 weeks for non-urgent cases.  Clients receive a letter confirming the appointment with a date and time.  If you are unable to attend at that time, please phone the centre to reschedule to a more convenient date [(091)542751/3446].  If you do not intend to make your appointment please phone the centre to cancel the appointment so that it can be given to another client.

On the morning of your appointment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding your personal medical history.  Please bring a list of your medications, your medical card number/health insurance provider details and details of any investigations for breast problems you may have had previously.  The entire clinic experience may take a number of hours and you are advised to bring some reading material, personal music player and a snack.  Please advise the staff at registration if you are diabetic or have special requirements.

Most new clients undergo a clinical review and mammogram, however a client’s path through the symptomatic breast clinic is tailored to the individual and may not require anything more than a clinical review (especially in younger women).  The medical history will be discussed and the client will be given the opportunity to ask questions regarding their symptoms and future management.  Some clients may be asked to return on another day for their mammogram, or for further imaging (such as an ultrasound).

A small number of clients require a biopsy.  This is a minor procedure where tissue is removed from the breast using a needle under local anaesthetic.  Most women experience little or no discomfort with this procedure.  The centre is equipped to perform a biopsy during the client’s initial assessment although occasionally biopsies are performed at a later date to facilitate accurate guidance with the mammogram.  The tissue is then examined under the microscope.  Most clients’ who have a biopsy do not have breast cancer. 

Once the initial assessment is made, many women are reassured and discharged back to the care of their family doctor.  All mammogram reports are sent to their family doctor for their records.  Occasionally clients are requested to return to the clinic.  This is usually for results of investigations such as mammograms, biopsy or surgery.  The symptomatic breast centre provides surveillance for women at increased risk for breast cancer.  These women usually either have a personal history of breast cancer or a significant family history of breast cancer.  The symptomatic breast centre does not provide screening for women who are not at increased risk for breast cancer.