Hi!
I discovered a lump in my right breast last week and went to see my gp on Monday who confirmed the lump and referred me for an urgent breast clinic appointment.
I have been told today that I won’t be given an appointment until sometime next week and that the appointment isn’t likely to be before 14th July. I’m driving myself mad with worry at the moment and I don’t know how I’ll manage until the middle of July!
The gp described the lump as a “small, firm, painless lump medially with normal axillae”. It feels as though it is attached to the breast tissue but not to the skin.
I’m 35 but I have recently discovered that both my grandmothers and my paternal aunt have had breast cancer. My paternal grandmother died with breast cancer aged 45 and both other relatives had breast cancer before they were 50. I don’t have contact with my dad so I don’t know about siblings, I don’t have siblings on my mums side and my mum has died (not cancer) but I’m really worried I might carry the BRCA mutation which I know would increase the chances that this lump is cancer.
Is there anything you can offer in terms of what the lump might be and the likelihood that it is cancer?
Any information you can give me is much appreciated, I’m going out of my mind with worry at the moment!
Thank you 
Hi floppyelmo
Thank you for posting. It’s understandable that you feel worried while waiting for your appointment at the breast clinic.
Breast changes and lumps can happen for many reasons. They may be due injury, due to hormonal changes as part of your monthly cycle or due to benign conditions (not cancer). When you’re seen at the breast clinic they will examine the lump and be able to give you an idea of what may have caused it. They may need to do extra tests, such as a biopsy, to know for sure. It may reassure you to know that most people referred to a breast clinic don’t have cancer, but we know that waiting to be assessed can be a worrying time.
Do talk to your GP about how you’re feeling so they can support you. You can also call our helpline to talk things through with one of our nurses.
Having a family history of breast cancer does not automatically mean you are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Most breast cancers aren’t inherited. The biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer are being a woman and increasing age and there are only a small number of people who will be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer because they have a significant family history or an inherited gene alteration, such as BRCA 1 or 2.
When you go to your appointment do mention the history of cancer in your family, or you can talk to your GP about this, if you haven’t done so already. They will be able to refer you for a family history risk assessment if appropriate. The assessment will look at both your mother’s and father’s side of the family separately.
As mentioned above, you’re welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
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