I’m terrified. I woke up with a dull pain under my arm pit but no lumps/marks etc. it could be muscle strain but I’m not sure. What can I do to alleviate my worries? I’m under 18 by the way, so I know breast cancer can be rare for someone my age. My breast doesn’t hurt, just my armpit.
Hi angiecats- I’m really sorry you are so concerned, but you should congratulate yourself on being very breast aware. There are many reasons for breast changes or pains, most are harmless, so keep that in mind. I’m not medical so I won’t even try to guess what has caused the pain - but it could be muscle strain as you yourself suggest. However, the mind can easily go into overdrive and start imagining all kinds of scary things - especially if you google symptoms, so please do stay away from google.
I think everyone on here would agree that it is best to get any changes to your breasts checked out, even if the chances of cancer are very slim. I would encourage you to call your GP and arrange a phone appointment, your GP will then either reassure you or call you in for a face to face examination. You might also like to call the nurses on here, number at the top of the page.
As you are under 18, do you have a family member or close friend or even a teacher who you could confide in too? We are all here too, so please feel free to keep chatting or ask any more questions - but I really would encourage you to call your GP, and hope you will get the reassurance you want very soon. Very best wishes, Evie xx
Hi angie
My young friend recently experienced what you’ve described. Today she saw a nurse who diagnosed her problem as referred pain from her shoulder/arm. To test this, the nurse asked her to clench her fist tightly with her arm straight. Immediately the pain in her armpit was noticeable. Pain, by the way, is not a common indicator of breast cancer.
This is just an example of how our worries can turn out to be harmless. It is not a diagnosis. Evie is right - for your own peace of mind, you should ask to see your GP (you can ask for a female GP if that’s your preference) or practice nurse. The advantage of this is not only will your anxiety be eased but you will learn how a proper breast examination is done and then you’ll be able to learn the map of your breasts (check mid-month, monthly) and keep yourself safe through the coming decades. It’s great that you’re already breast aware but try to see it as a positive in your life, not something to be fearful of.
All the best, Jan x