Lump in breast

[scaredfriend]

My bestest friend in the whole world told me yesterday that she’s found a lump in her breast. She saw the GP who said they think it’s probably nothing to worry about but have referred her for further tests on the 2WW to be sure.
I’m scared. How likely are they to say this and mean it? I guess a GP wouldn’t really know and it’s just a waiting game but would they say they don’t think it’s anything to worry about if they weren’t quite confident? Or do they just say that to pass the buck for breaking bad news to the hospital staff?
How can I best support her? She’s quite shaken I think and doesn’t want to see me at the moment (unusual as we live nearby and usually see each other very often). I just really feel like I need to hug her, but can’t.

Hello
I've had a few lumps over the years and been referred to the breast clinic each time. Staff have always been absolutely lovely and kind and reassuring..I know it's worrying and scary but just wanted to send good wishes to your friend. She knows you're there for her so let her have her space if she needs time alone to process things at her own pace. I am sure everything will be fine and it's good that she is getting checked out quickly

Thank you for taking the time to offer some reassurance. I will be sure to let my friend take all the time she needs to process. I’m sure she knows I’ll be here when she’s ready to talk. We lost a mutual friend to breast cancer 10 years ago, so I’ve no doubt it’s shaken her. Even without worrying about her own situation, there are some bad memories that will have resurfaced and upset her.

Doctors will routinely refer women to the two week wait for any breast lump - better to be safe than sorry. Your friend will be going through the ‘what ifs’ - hoping for the best but worrying about the worst.

Alot of lumps are cysts, and a lot of breast cancer types are curable. You’re unlucky if you get a more serious version.

Thank you. You’re right. The odds are that it’s more likely to be good news than bad.

Most lumps are benign cysts.

Or, as my doctor put it, ‘lumpy breasts’.

Do not worry - I went through this 37 years ago and I’m still alive and kicking!

I’ve been in her position It’s a worrying time. Respect her wishes. Tell her you’re there if she needs you but let her be.

The other thing is that this is extremely common and most women will go at some point t for an evaluation. But when it’s you, your mind runs riot so respect her panic. There is always the chance it is serious so don’t diminish her fear.

The vast, vast majority of lumps are benign. I had one a few years ago, was referred within the 2 weeks pathway and everything was absolutely fine and non cancerous.

I've known others who've had the same.

Worry about it if and when you need to. It's not time to worry at the moment as it's most likely nothing.

Thank you for all your positive news stories.

She’s has her breast clinic appointment. It’ll be 4 weeks from when she saw the GP. Not sure if that’s a good thing (are they less worried ?) or a bad thing (I.e the GP’s initial thoughts makes no difference to how quickly you get seen and they’re so busy that everything is taking twice as long as it should).