Cambridge Breast Unit (formerly Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre – Breast Unit)

Our Breast Unit offers assessment of patients referred from their GP with breast concerns, offers surveillance for patients known to be at high risk of breast cancer as well as the Cambridge and Huntingdon Breast Screening Service.

At the breast clinic, you will meet one of the doctors or nurse practitioners who will ask you some questions about your medical history before carrying out a physical examination of your breasts.

You may then have mammograms (x-rays) of the breast, an ultrasound scan of the breast and if needed a biopsy of the breast (under local anaesthetic) where a small piece of tissue is removed to be examined under the microscope. This will all be discussed with you during the course of your appointment.

In most cases, these tests will all be carried out during your visit to the clinic however in some cases you will be asked to return at another time.

The majority of people who are referred to the breast unit do not have cancer and have either normal or non-cancerous (benign) changes and for this reason, not everyone who attends will need mammograms, ultrasound or biopsy.

You are able to bring someone with you to the clinic appointment should you wish, unless specifically advised against this by the clinic team beforehand because of hospital restrictions at the time of your appointment.