Advice about when to get breast checked out.

29 replies

youplonkerrodney · 28/05/2026 20:07

I know the knee-jerk response is - If in doubt, GO!

But I am afraid that if the doctor can’t find a problem, I will be labelled ‘anxious’ in my notes and not taken seriously in future when there IS something wrong.

My mum has had breast cancer twice, I am now 40, I haven’t had children so am at higher risk and am reaching the age where it is becoming more of a possibility.

In the last 10 years I have been to the GP for:

Medication for anxiety (low dose during a stressful time - took it for six months then didn’t renew prescription).

I felt that I had memory problems. He told me to keep a diary and come back in 3 months if still a concern. I never went back (pretty sure it was stress again).

Went to have a sore lump in my armpit examined (last Septmeber) except had vanished by the time my appointment came round! Must’ve been a gland or something.

Now, since around February I have had a sense of discomfort in / around my right armpit. Not pain, more just an awareness that something isn’t quite right. It almost feels like a lump except when I feel it there is NO lump, and no actual site of pain either. Just that I am aware that the right armpit is a bit uncomfortable. So I don’t have anything specific to say to a doctor except ‘my armpit doesn't feel right’.

So I haven’t been because I am afraid the doctor will just think I’m being paranoid, especially given my pattern of visits in the last few years, and I will not be taken seriously.

I had stopped wearing a bra because of the discomfort (even though it was mild- I hate bras anyway) and that’s been a problem in this weather because I can’t wear a jumper! So have been wearing a bra and been so aware of this discomfort. I don’t know what to do.

To complicate matters I am in the middle of relocating and I am still registered at a GP about 100 miles away. But that’s a side issue I guess.

OP posts:

Gardeningsideeffects · 28/05/2026 20:25

You should go. I left mine six months as I was so preoccupied with other things.

I was fine, it was HRT related cysts.

Fwiw, I've been to the GP about 30 times in the last couple of years...also, when I mentioned something about suicide to GP in relation to a medication side effect, she used that word in my notes. I called her and had a frank discussion about why I didn't think it would be appropriate to keep it in my notes. She agreed and removed the word.

Just because something is in your notes, it doesn't mean it can't be removed later.

Original poster

youplonkerrodney · 28/05/2026 20:22

Thanks, yes I would happily be embarrassed to put my mind at ease.

If it does turn out to be ‘nothing’ though, that’ll be two GP visits for non-existent breast problems within a year. It makes me look like I have an anxiety issue. I am so worried about a ‘boy who cried wolf’ situation down the line.

OP posts:

LividSun · 28/05/2026 20:17

I had almost exactly this issue recently.

I waited a couple of weeks and it didn't go away. GP sent me straight to breast clinic (two weeks) where I had a mammogram and heard all was well same day.

Was genuinely terrified for the two weeks but it was such a relief to be reassured. They are used to seeing people in similar circumstances and wouldn't you rather be a bit embarrassed than leave it too late if there IS a problem?

Sunnyduvet · 28/05/2026 20:15

If you are worried and have a family history I think you should go! There will be people going much more frequently than you for much smaller issues. I work in a and e and people come with practically nothing sometimes! A good doctor will consider your perspective and why you've felt the need to come rather than make you feel silly. If he or she is dismissive find another GP.

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