Im just 18, and ive found lumps in both breasts, ive been to my gp and now im waiting to go to the breast clinic in a few weeks, a member of my family died of breast cancer in her mid fourties, could i have cysts? could it develop into breast cancer?
Breast cancers never crossed my mind before until now, and im now so worried and dont know what to think or who to talk to.
Will it hurt if they remove a cysts? Will my breasts be different afterwards?
I would be so grateful for replies.
Hi Kirsty,
I’m 24 and was diagnosed in May so I do understand to feel too young and I’d never thought about it… but I have never personally heard of someone as young as 18 developing it.
If you have cysts or the lumps pose no harm to you it is up to you as to whether you actually want to have the operation to have them removed. I know a friend of mine has found lots of lumps but nothing is wrong with her, she just develops them. And if the doctors thought you had a cyst/tumour that may develop into something they will inform you… if they give you an ultrasound and say its a cyst then it will be.
I had a lumpectomy so I kept my breast, but it is now smaller and a slightly different shape and can only assume removing any tissue would have a similar effect with is why cysts tend not to be removed if they don’t need to be.
I know its really easy to say but try not to panic, unfortunately there is nothing you can do at the moment… I feel for you because even though I was diagnosed with breast cancer it was still better knowing that not knowing… you are very brave for going to the doctors and getting yourself checked out.
Have you told anybody, any friends?
It is best to prepare yourself for any news but I’m sure you will be fine (easy for me to say… I know!!!)
Keep strong and keep as busy as you can until you go to the hospital!
Erin xxx
Hi Kirsty and welcome to the BCC forums,
You might find it helpful to read the BCC booklet about being referred to a breast clinic. It can be found by following the link below:-
breastcancercare.org.uk//docs/referral_redesign__final_14_feb_08_0.pdf
Please do call the helpline if you feel it would help to talk your concerns through with someone in confidence, the line is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm on 0808 800 6000.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Kirsy,My daughter was referred to the breast clinic with very lumpy breasts The doctors there told her it was nothing to worry about,that she just had lumpy breasts but they would keep an eye on her (mainly to give her peace of mind) because I’ve had agressive hormone neg breastcancer in my 40’s Breast clinics are not just about breastcancer and at your age it could well be hormonal and something that will right itself- don’t worry!
Josie xx
just to add to whats ben said im also 24 and was diagnosed ths year. but to reassure you i have a sister who has always complained of finding lumps in her breasts and not long after i was diagnosed she found another one. it turned out to be nothing and it also turns out i dont have the BRCA gene. it is scary, and its definately the right thng to be checked out, but try and keep sane - chances are its nothing xx