- Conference
- 2005 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 18 October 2004
- Decision
- Carried
One in every nine women in the United Kingdom continues to develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. That is why being aware of self-examination and diagnostic procedures in hospitals are vital for all women.
If you have been referred to hospital with a breast lump or a change in the appearance of your breast, testing for breast cancer should include three tests called triple assessment. Triple assessment can increase the speed and accuracy of diagnosis. Remember also that a lump may be benign. The triple assessment should be carried out at the same visit to the breast unit. This is not necessary but will save you several journeys to the hospital.
Conditions and symptoms that recommend a women should be referred to a breast specialist includes a lump or lumpy area in the breast or armpit, pain in the area that is persistent, nipple discharge (women over 50) and blood-stained discharge of those under 50. Nipple discharge or retraction, also eczema and finally a change in the shape of the breast are indications for a check-up.
The triple assessment includes three types of examination or test. Clinical examination, this is a physical examination by a doctor or a specialist nurse. Breast imaging, a mammogram (x-ray), or if under 35 years, an ultra sound scan. Biopsy, a fine needle aspiration to take a sample of cells from the breast.
Tests for the over 50s are sent out automatically though this can be at aged 50 or up to 55. The postcode lottery may also delay diagnosis. One way to avoid this is to remember that those over 50 have a right to demand screening so do not have to suffer the enforced delay. Results of your tests should be available within five working days and within three where possible. Taking all this into consideration we instruct the National Women’s Committee to:
1)include an article on self-examination information in the next National Women’s Committee newsletter and on the UNISON website;
2)encourage women to attend for screening;
3)encourage regions to lobby local breast cancer centres to ensure women are screened as near 50 as possible;
4)publicise a selection of available leaflets during October 2005, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month.