Breast thickening - Is it ever not cancer?

[BreatheInAndOut]

One of my breasts is swollen and the bottom of the breast feels thicker. From reading up on doctor google it appears the only advice is to see the GP and it mostly suggests cancer.

I've had a panic attack already this morning and I'm not really in a stable place anyway, as I have lots of caring responsibilities (DC with SN and mother with health issues who I help look after). As daft as it sounds I'm not sure how I could cope and get time to deal with having to deal with any illness for myself.

I know I need to get to the GP, I'm trying to bolster myself enough to call them but I'm petrified. Is there anything else that would be the cause of this?

Sorry, just re-read its not swollen, but sore. Very sore like a swelling sensation.

If you google anything to do with breasts, you get AHHH CANCER SEE GP etc.

This site has a good list of benign conditions: www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/benign-breast-conditions

If your GP refers you to a breast clinic, they will have a good look and will be able to tell you what it is.

Usually, it is hormones . I find ibuprofen and a very sensible bra helps with this.

Definitely go and get checked but most things which cause symptoms are benign cysts. You're doing the right thing to get checked.

I saw the GP earlier this year about a thickening and got a referral to the breast clinic. They said all is ok, just hormonal.

but I would make an appointment with the GP in any case to get a referral. hopefully they will be reassuring and put your mind to rest. it's a very stressful time.

Thought I should update this and I really appreciate all the replies so far.

I did get round to calling the GP and luckily got a same day appointment. GP was marvellous and listened to my concerns and did an examination. GP agreed with me that there was some definite thickening and pain (which was evident during the exam). GP has referred me to the breast clinic for further examinations and I will get an appointment through the post, and I am to expect an appointment within two weeks, as per breast screening protocol apparently.

I am bricking it quite frankly (sorry quite a northern phrase), I can't tell anyone at the minute. I have done lots of reading though and it appears that as I'm under 35 I won't have a mammogram but an ultrasound.

Am I likely to get the results of any tests on the same day? I'm not sure I can handle waiting a couple more weeks, I'd rather know what I'm dealing with so I can get my head around it. I've tried to mentally prepare for the worst outcome, but I am a bit fraught with worry.

I was referred for something similar. I had a mammogram,? Think I was 37. Got the results that day and it was put down to hormones. Hope yours has a similarly positive outcome