"Wait times for breast care appointment"

Having been diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time in October 2024 (previous diagnosis 2015) I have completed treatment and been placed on the self referral register with Antrim Hospital. 

I have experienced some discomfort in the breast I had surgery in and rang to get this investigated. I was informed the system has changed and it would be a 6-7 week wait to be seen. When I rang about my concern in October last year I was seen within a fortnight. 

I have now received an appointment for 7 weeks from initial phone call. 

Last time I’d had my surgery within 7 weeks. 

The breast care nurse said she had checked to see if going through my GP as a red flag referral would be quicker but no a red flag referral is a 9 week wait. 

I think this is an absolute disgrace. Everything about cancer highlights getting things investigated early and the quicker things are seen to the more likelihood of a positive outcome. 

I’m now left in limbo terrified of reccurance and spread. 

My anxiety is through the roof and there is nothing I can do about it. 

I think the new system is highly ineffective and could potentially cost people their lives.