The Breast Screening Assessment Clinic: second stage screening
Information for patients
Welcome to the Breast Screening Assessment Clinic at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. The following information is about your second stage breast screening appointment at the clinic.
We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your healthcare team.
General information
Parking is available in the hospital pay and display car park.
Please allow up to 3 hours for your appointment.
Please wear separate clothes. For example, wear a top and trousers or a top and skirt, to help with your examination.
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative with you to your appointment. However, the waiting area is not large, and examinations often take some time. This makes the waiting area unsuitable for small children.
What is second stage screening?
Before a diagnosis is made, certain types of breast tissue need additional:
mammography views; and
ultrasound scans. Ultrasound is a scan using high frequency sound waves (not x-rays), and is painless.
Many women who are recalled for second stage screening are found to have:
normal breasts; or
benign (not harmful) lesions, that do not need further treatment.
Following the second stage mammography and ultrasound, some patients will need a needle biopsy to take a sample of tissue. The results of the needle biopsy will not be available immediately. A follow-up appointment will be arranged to discuss your results.
What will happen at my appointment?
When you arrive at the clinic, you will be met by the receptionist. The receptionist will ask you to check your details and take a seat in the waiting area.
A nurse is always available at the clinic.
The radiographer will carry out the x-rays, and show you back to the waiting area.
A breast imaging specialist will review your x-rays.
A breast specialist will see you, and carry out a clinical examination and ultrasound.
What if I have any questions before or after my appointment?
If you need more information, please contact the Breast Screening Office on 01227 783000.
What if I want to receive a copy of the letter written to my GP?
You have the right to receive all letters written by health professionals about your care and treatment. If you wish to receive copies of the letters written as a result of your clinic visit, please tell the radiographer. You will meet the radiographer when you start your assessment. The radiographer will record this on your clinic notes and check the address you wish us to write to.
What do you think of this leaflet?
We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.
If you would like to give us feedback about this leaflet, please fill in our short online survey. Either scan the QR code below, or use the web link. We do not record your personal information, unless you provide contact details and would like to talk to us some more.
If you would rather talk to someone instead of filling in a survey, please call the Patient Voice Team.
Patient Voice Team
Telephone: 01227 868605
Email