"Breast Clinic Waiting Times"

I attended my local GP in Glenrothes in early December 2017 having found a lump in my left breast. Following my examination, my doctor found two more lumps in the same breast. I have previously had Fibroadenoma and was informed that this is most likely what it was, however that an ultrasound would be necessary to be certain. My doctor informed me that it was roughly a 4 to 6 week waiting list, although I am not naive and understood that there was a good chance it could be slightly longer. My referral was made on the 3 days after my appointment of December. Almost 17 weeks later, I am still waiting on an appointment and have been informed today by the wonderful reception staff that the waiting list is currently 20+ weeks due to staff shortages.

That means I will have waited almost 6 months from referral to appointment. I cannot explain the anxiety and stress this causes. It is unacceptable that in this day and age that is the waiting time for such appointments, emergency or not. Imagine checking every day to feel a change or checking incessantly in case your breasts have changed because you could be that statistic that was let down by a waiting time and actually has something to worry about. This has got to change! I think that referring outwith Fife Council should be an option before making people wait this length of time.