Hi,I am an 18 year old female and It may sound stupid as I haven’t got any syptoms but lately i have just had this really worrying feeling i could have. I have looked up all the symptons and none seem to occur to me but then as i read more, in my mind i begin to develop the idea that i do have the symptons…
Am i just being really paranoid?
Hi ash18
I’m sorry to read you’re feeling worried. Can I suggest you perhaps visit your GP and explain your concerns, hopefully this might help to ease your worries.
In the meantime if you would like to talk through your feelings and concerns do give the BCC helpline a call where one of the members of staff will offer you a listening ear as well emotional support and practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and lines are open weekdays 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Dear Ash,
I am sorry you are feeling so worried, we can read about many types of illness and convince ourselves that we have them. I have included a table from this website that shows what the risks are at your age (and older) of getting breast cancer. As you can see, for those under 29, it is a 1 in 2,000 risk. So very unlikely that you have BC.
However, I agree with sam, that you should either chat with your GP or call the help line here, to put your mind at rest.
The table below gives the estimated risk of women developing breast cancer according to age, showing how risk goes up as we get older.
Risk up to and including age 291 in 2,000
Risk up to and including age 39 1 in 215
Risk up to and including age 49 1 in 50
Risk up to and including age 59 1 in 22
Risk up to and including age 69 1 in 13
Lifetime risk 1 in 8
So the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 8 (absolute risk) for a woman who lives to be around 84. This also means that 7 out 8 women will not develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and the risk for younger women is much lower.
Sending hugs and best wishes
poemsgalore xx