Breast cancer scare - advice

[LouHannah1]

Hi all,

Any words of wisdom would be great.

I've had ongoing issues with one of my breasts for the last 6 weeks or so. Mainly that it is swollen, has gone up a cup size, tender and has started to produce discharge. I do not have children and am not on contraception.

The GP was pretty dismissive that it could be anything sinister. I was of course worried as my mum had BC in her 40s (I'm late 20s). Anyway the GP referred me to the breast clinic. The nurse examined me for all but 5 seconds and said because of my age it's likely hormonal/nothing to worry about. I told her I had PCOS which she jumped on and said 'it must be that'.

I can't help but feel dissatisfied with the response. Surely just because I have PCOS it doesn't mean that it would be impossible to also have something sinister going on? I also know of young women who have been dismissed because of their age but then it has turned out to be something serious. I've also had fatigue for the last year or so.

I know it is very likely to be completely fine but I need to put my mind at rest.

Any advice or similar experiences? x

Please ask to be referred to the breast clinic for a mammogram and ultrasound. Chances are you're fine and it will put your mind at rest.My daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29- so it can happen

I had similar actually, was in my early 30s and breastfeeding, gp barely looked at my lump saying it was hormones! It did turn out to be nothing, and hopefully yours will too, but it’s not nice to feel you’ve not been taken seriously and to be left worrying. I’d go back to the gp (maybe try to see a different one if possible) and say you’re still concerned. Can they explain to you why this doesn’t warrant further investigation, and what makes them sure it’s benign (they maybe able to give you a good reason that does reassure you). Maybe take someone with you for support to help you be assertive?

They see this day in, day out and dozens and dozens of times each day. Try and have faith in what you are being told unless you really have reason to believe they've fobbed you off and missed something

I’m surprised you didn’t get an ultrasound and a mammogram OP, I’m sorry the nurse was dismissive, I would go back to your GP and ask for a mammogram. Just to be on the safe side.