Breast cancer - FOI Response Register

1. What has been the longest waiting time for a breast biopsy (USC) in 2024 for your health board area?

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested. Breast biopsies are performed by NHS Grampian so waiting times data is held by them.

What is the current process or patient pathway for a patient who is suspected to have breast cancer in your health board area? Are they referred to a specialist breast clinic? If so, how soon after their initial appointment with their GP are they referred to this clinic and what is the waiting time?

NHS Shetland patients are referred to local General Surgeons and they will be assessed within 2 weeks of referrals. Following assessment those requiring investigation will be referred to NHS Grampian for imaging. They will travel to Aberdeen where they will usually have a mammogram and ultrasound and should those show anything indeterminate or suspicious they will also have a biopsy performed at the same time.

2. If a patient is referred to a breast clinic with suspected breast cancer, how long will they have to wait to have a breast biopsy and to receive the results from that biopsy?

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested. NHS Grampian is responsible for performing and reporting the biopsy and will hold the data on waiting times.