Getting diagnosed

You usually start by seeing your GP if you have breast symptoms. Your GP will examine you and might refer you for tests to a specialist breast clinic. If the tests show that you have a cancer, you have more tests to find out how big it is and whether it has spread. This is called staging.

Screening for breast cancer

Find out about the UK breast screening programme, who has screening, and how you have it.

Finding breast cancer early

Find out about breast awareness and which breast changes to look out for.

Seeing your GP

See your GP if you have symptoms. Find out what happens and how to get the most out of your appointment. 

Referral to a specialist

Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to breast cancer. 

Tests to diagnose

If you have symptoms that could be breast cancer, your GP usually refers you to a breast clinic for tests. Find out about these tests.

Tests to stage breast cancer

When breast cancer is diagnosed you might have other tests to find out how big it is and whether it has spread. Find out about these tests.

Last reviewed: 
08 Feb 2021
Next review due: 
08 Feb 2024
Coronavirus and cancer

We know it’s a worrying time for people with cancer, we have information to help.

Read our information about coronavirus and cancer