Breast lumps which don't feel suspicious

[CosmoKramer]

I'd like some advice on dealing with breast lumps which don't feel suspicious (soft, moveable, etc.) without wasting NHS time and resources.

I went to the GP with one of these (I've had them before - I have lumpy breasts) and she has referred me to a breast clinic. She said "I really don't think this is anything, but because you've come in I have to refer you".

Should I have not gone at all? I'm not worried about it, but having read that you should always report changes I went to my GP to check. Now I'm not sure I should have.

TIA

I would always double check with gp. Better safe than sorry.

Thanks, youdont.
Problem is that I think they are then obliged to refer and I feel it's a bit of a waste of people's time

It's not a waste of time at all, not all breast cancer lumps are the typical hard and painless type so any changes must be checked out.

People go with a lot important queries than those you mention. My sister in law did not have lumps but breast felt painful. Hospital couldn't find anything but luckily one doctor was not satisfied and referred her for further investigation where they found a particularly virolent type of breast cancer. She had chemotherapy, lymph gland removal and eventually breast removal but now she is fit and healthy. So to hell with causing trouble. The doctor probably was trying not to give you any unnecessary worry which was why she said what she did. Go back to GP.

Meant to say people go with a lot less important queries.... SORRY

Thanks for your replies, Happy and malt.
I have been referred already, Happy, so don't need to go back. My concern is whether this is basically a waste of everyone's time though. I wondered whether other people only go to the GP if a lump feels "suspicious" to them, or whether it's really right that all changes need to be reported.

Glad your SIL is doing well, Happy.

Thanks again.

Not to worry you Cosmo but I've been to my GP several times because I have lumpy breasts - I've never been referred on. I've always been told some women just have lumpy breats.

Agh! *Breasts!! Sorry I am on my phone - auto correct has gone mad!!

That's useful to know Mrsrochester, thanks.
I had the feeling that this GP felt obliged to refer, but perhaps not, or perhaps it varies by GP. This does make me feel more confident that it's sensible to check with the GP anyway (and that other people do for less serious-feeling lumps). Thanks again.