What are the referral criteria for patients with abnormal mammography results?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Referral criteria for patients with abnormal mammography results:

  • Women with mammography findings suggestive of breast cancer should be referred urgently using a suspected cancer pathway referral.
  • Referral to a specialist genetic clinic should be considered if there is a family history indicating increased risk, such as:
    • Two first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than an average age of 50 years (at least one must be a first-degree relative).
    • Three first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than an average age of 60 years (at least one must be a first-degree relative).
    • Four relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at any age (at least one must be a first-degree relative).
    • Families with ovarian cancer and breast cancer diagnosed at younger ages on the same side of the family.
  • Women who do not meet specialist genetic clinic referral criteria but have a moderate risk based on family history should be offered secondary care and appropriate support without specialist genetic referral.

These criteria ensure timely and appropriate referral for further assessment and management of suspected breast cancer following abnormal mammography results.

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