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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to be worried that this might be breast cancer?

15 replies

josephinebruce · 19/10/2013 17:28

I've never really paid much attention to my breasts, to be honest, but a few months ago I noticed that one seemed significantly bigger than the other. It is possible that it always has been, but I just didn't notice - yes, I really am that thick - but it took me by surprise and I kind of think that if it had always been like that I would have noticed before (I'm hardly a teenager!!). It also feels heavier than the other. There's no other signs and no lumps that I can feel. It can get a bit painful at times and tender, but everyone's does. I'm normally quite relaxed about my health and normally wouldn't dream of going to the Dr about this, but recently I heard about a friend of a friend who didn't have obvious symptoms of breast cancer being diagnosed with it. I'm just a bit confused.

OP posts:

catgirl1976 · 19/10/2013 17:31

Go to your GP.

I had a lump this year. It turned out to be nothing. I was terrified but you have to get this checked.

There are lots of other things it could be. Lots and lots. But you must go to your GP

WhereYouLeftIt · 19/10/2013 17:31

YANBU to be worried, but you would be VU to just sit there worrying. Make an appointment and go and see your GP. Find out one way or the other.

And yes, you may always have been this asymmetric - most people are.

MoaningMingeWhingesAgain · 19/10/2013 17:33

One breast bigger than the other is totally normal. Most people are a bit asymmetrical, sometimes noticeably.

But if you feel they have changed at all, get them checked.

Possible symptoms to look out for

Beastofburden · 19/10/2013 17:47

Probably nothing to worry about- but don't get your reassurance off MN. Get it from a proper medical opinion. Your GP would far rather see you for a false alarm than have to give sad news in a few years.

WhoNickedMyName · 19/10/2013 17:53

Your GP would rather see you for a false alarm

This.

That is exactly what your GP us there for. Go see them next week.

YellowDinosaur · 19/10/2013 18:00

I am a breast surgeon. I'd rather see 100s of patients with symptoms that turned out to be nothing than 1 who came too late for their cancer to be curable because they had felt too silly to bother the doctor.

Most people have 1 breast bigger than the other and it is probably nothing. However some breast cancers present like this. Go to the doctor on Monday. You will be seen and probably reassured in the breast clinic within 2 Weeks. And if the worst case scenario is true at least you won't be beating yourself up that you could have gone sooner. And most breast cancer is curable.

Good luck x

YellowDinosaur · 19/10/2013 18:01

Just to add that even if all we do is reassure you it's nothing that's a very important thing for you and a very important part of our job.

Original poster

josephinebruce · 19/10/2013 18:26

Thank you all. Think part of my problem is that I work in the NHS and get used to hearing all the stories about patients that waste GPs time!

I will make an appointment.

OP posts:

Worriedkat · 19/10/2013 18:36

I had this last year. My right side got bigger than the left and every few months it goes through a very painful few weeks, burning deep inside and can be tender. Top breast surgeon in my county said its hormonal, no thickening or lumps, no redness, scans all clear. It's weird that it only affects one side. But I'm still here 18 months on. You do have to get a medical opinion though, don't rely on mine and others anecdotal stories.

Christelle2207 · 19/10/2013 20:40

I had concerns about my breasts last year, went to the gp and was then seen by a consultant at the breast clinic within a few days. It turned out to be nothing but both the gp and the consultant were adamant I had done the right thing going to see them and it wasn't a waste of time.

Christelle2207 · 19/10/2013 20:42

PS don't be alarmed if you get referred, you will almost certainly. I got the impression that the NHS takes such issues very seriously.

Original poster

josephinebruce · 19/10/2013 21:25

You have all made me feel better anyway and not stupid for worrying about this. So to you all xxx

OP posts:

Sallyingforth · 19/10/2013 23:10

Of course you should see your GP.
In the meantime do you have a long-term partner? He might be able to tell you if your breasts have always been that way. Men usually pay more attention to our breasts than we do themselves!

Original poster

josephinebruce · 19/10/2013 23:29

No, no partner either long term or otherwise. Can honestly say no man has seen them in the last 6 years.

OP posts:

stiffstink · 19/10/2013 23:42

At 32, I have been referred three times for various lumps/aches/not quite rights.

I would say just get to your GP and have a chat, let them have a quick feel and the chances are that in less than three weeks from now you'll be reassured.

About 7 million people have handled my boobs in the last ten years, but its better to be a time waster than a "not botherer".

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