I am new to this site and just needed some oppinions of people who have had experiences of breast cancer and related breast issues.
I am 20 years old (21 next month), I found a lump, admittedly over a year ago, I have only just got the courage to agree and see a doctor about it.
It’s almost as if, if I ignore it, it will not matter.
My mum has had breast cancer, although thankfully now she has been given the all clear.
I just wondered if people would be able to give me some advice as I am very scared and alot of my friends do not have any experience of breast cancer or cancer at all in their family, so I find it hard to talk to them about it.
I try talking to my mum about it but also find it hard to talk to her.
From what I have read the most likely cause of my lump (due to my age and how it was described) is Fibroadenoma I believe it is called.
I dont really know what to do or who to talk to, so any advice or comments would be welcome!
Everyone will give you the same advice - please, please go to the doctors - there is a higher chance of it being nothing than anything else. Please insist on getting it checked out and also make sure you stressto the doctors that your mother has it.
Due to your age it is highly unlikely, but for your peace of mind, then it is better to get checked out.
GO TO THE DOCTORS! Yes, this is scary, but it is even scarier not knowing, besides, chances are you will be told that it is nothing.
Thank you, I know the chances are its probably nothing but just the though of being told that it possibly could be something…especially as my mum has had BC, is very scary indeed!
I will get it checked though as soon as possible.
I will also keep people posted as to what it is or isn’t!
Is it common for woman my age toget lumps though?
A friend who had a lump a couple of years back when she was around 18 and it turned out to be nothing.
I would only second what guardian angel said, get it checked out anyway to put your mind at ease if nothing else.
I have 2 daughters and honestly that is the advice i would give them too, especially with a mum who has had BC
Please find the courage to phone your doc and make an appt
I know it is a scary palce to be but it is better to be safe than sorry
Good luck
Ann xx
Welcome to the BCC forums, I have added a link to a Breast Cancer Care publication on breast awareness that you may find helpful, it can either be downloaded or ordered via the helpline on freephone 0808 800 6000, you can talk to one of our specialist nurses on this number regarding your concerns if you feel this would be of help. .
You do need to go and see a doctor asap, I do understand how frightening it is but if it is breast cancer you will find out about it eventually and you want to have as many options as possible… breast cancer is treatable and I understand how you feel but its not good for you in the long term and you must be driving yourself mad not knowing!
I was 23 when I found my lump, no family history either so it was very strange that I have bc but it does happen… I’m having chemo atm which is going ok, having my 4th session out of 6 tomorrow and hope to be all sorted by xmas!
Coming on this website is a godsend! I joined a few days before I started chemo and its been such a help! My advice to you is to keep busy, go to the doctors and try and keep your mind off it as best you can.
I think being so young people assume that it definitely isn’t bc and cannot really comprehend that it will be anything so it can be lonely but whatever happens there is always support here!
I hope that you get the best result you can and make sure you keep us all updated!!!
Just thought I’d give everyone a little update.
I visited the doctor today, he examined me and said he thinks it is just a cyst from the feel of it and how I have described how the lump has not got larger or changed shape in the past year etc.
He has referred me to a specialist just to double check and be 100% sure though, especially as my mum has had BC.
I’m not sure when I will be seeing the specialist but hopefully I will find that out in the next few days or so, he said I shouldn’t be waiting long.
What does going to a specialist envolve? What do they do?
My mind is slightly at ease, but still worrying a bit.
Hopefully a cyst is all it is, I am hopefull anyway!
Hope everyone on here is fine and keeping their chins up!
You may find our publication helpful to read as it explains what you may expect to happen at the clinic, it’s called ‘Referral to a breast clinic’, this can be read via the following link:
Firstly, it is good news that it feels like a cyst and that you were told that… after I went to my GP I was in the hospital within 2 weeks (mine had grown though so I’m not sure how long you might be waiting) and I went in to have an ultrasound of where the lump was… fairly easy to be honest, use a gel and roll this scanner thing and then they gave me a mammogram, not great fun, basically squashes your boob and takes an xray and then I was sent to another area of the hospital to see the consultant who with the breast care nurse examined me and explained that they were pretty sure I had breast cancer.
I think your circumstances do sound a lot more positive and at least you’ll know fairly quickly!
Well I read about special needle test in my letter as well as mammograms, and I am absolutely petrified of needles!
I am going to the hospital tomorrow morning, they said I should expect to be there all morning, I just want to get it over and done with now so I know!
I will let you all know once I am home and sorted what the outcome was, like I said hopefully positive.
And thank you all for your positive and informative words
x
Hiya Littlej, im 35 and ahve te biggest fear of needles ever, and I really mean it, I still dont like them but i didnt look and wasnt as bad as I expected infact probably wasnt as bad as having my blood taken recently.
Hi all,
Quick update…
Thankfully it is only fibroadenoma! I was crying nearly the whole time I was being at the hospital espcially when it came to the scan and the needle, I really started blubbing! But when they confirmed it wasn’t cancer I breathed the biggest sigh of relief, but I am always going to be careful because of my mum.
They said they suggest I have the lump removed to stop me worrying but I dont have to…I’m not sure wether I will as I HATE the thought of being cut open if I dont have to!
Anyway hope everyone is ok and keeping their chins up!
