What are the criteria for urgent referral of a patient with suspected breast cancer in primary care?

Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for breast cancer if they are aged 30 years and over and have an unexplained breast lump with or without pain, or if they are aged 50 years and over with symptoms in one nipple only such as discharge, retraction, or other changes of concern ¹.

Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) if there is skin change that suggests breast cancer, or if they are aged 30 years and over with an unexplained lump in the axilla ¹.

Consider a non-urgent referral in people aged under 30 years with an unexplained breast lump with or without pain ¹.

Discussion with a specialist should be considered if there is uncertainty about the interpretation of symptoms and signs, and whether a referral is needed ¹.