Breast lump - waiting for referral

[BeansBeforeBedtime]

41yo and found a hard lump in my upper breast last week. I rang the GP surgery and was seen the same day. He could feel the lump too and asked about other symptoms, family history, etc. I mentioned some occasional discomfort in my armpits, but have put that down to having a 2yo and lots of lifting. He said that current guidance is to wait a menstrual cycle - if it's gone, not to worry about it, but if there's anything at all, to contact them again for a referral to breast clinic.

I'm not an anxious person, but I am thinking about it constantly! It would make me feel better to read this advice somewhere, but everything seems to recommend 2-weeks. I keep thinking, what if I have cancer and the 1-month wait is enough for it to metastasise. I don't have life insurance either - which, with 2 children, I'm furious with myself about. I've also got a new job starting in September, and keep thinking about asking for time off for hospital appointments and whether I'll qualify for long term sick leave. I am a bag of worry - this is not like me!

I would really appreciate anyone offering a bit of support or advice. Thank you x

The chances are that it will be something that is not sinister. However, I’m pretty sure the guidance is that for any suspicious or unusual lumps you should be referred on the two week pathway. Could you call the GP on Monday to request that the referral is put in now rather than waiting? Or ask for a second opinion?

I’ve been in this position myself and the anxiety and worry just take over your life a bit but for me both times it turned out to be nothing to be worried about.

If it feels like a cyst then waiting a cycle is not wrong (and often they will disappear in that time). Cysts usually feel very smooth.

I think if you’re an absolute ball of worry it’s worth recontacting GP to either ask for reassurance that he’s confident it’s a cyst, or to refer immediately if not.

Could also add that if he’s confident it’s a cyst, then a review in 2 weeks would also be a sensible option. You’ll be at the opposite end of your cycle then and hormones will have changed. If the lump hasn’t gone (or significantly shrunk) in those 2 weeks then ask for referral. I’d probably be most comfortable with either waiting 2 weeks and review or immediate referral tbh. Esp with a new job in the pipeline…

He said he felt a definite lump and "difference in texture", didn't say "cyst", but definitely spoke about hormonal changes. The first day of my last period was Friday 18th July and I found the lump on Monday 4th August, so mid-cycle. My next period is due in about 10 days. I think I'll be told to wait until after my period for any further checks because of where I'll be in my cycle.

I've just never found a lump before, and have experienced swollen breasts from hormonal changes and breastfeeding, including mastitis, so I think I know my body well, and this is definitely not usual. Perhaps I'm more anxious because of the new job too.

Thank you for your replies. I really appreciate it.

I've been referred 3 times now and had multiple lumps inbetween where I've just decided to wait and see as I know what normal lumps feel like as luckily me I've been blessed with lumpy breasts! Twice they have been cysts and once lumpy breast tissue, all nothing to worry about. They can definitely be linked to period cycles. If your really anxious about it I'm sure if you called your surgery on monday and asked the doctor would refer you fir the two week wait. In my experience it usually much quicker than weeks.

Try not to worry too much (I know easier said than done). Most breast lumps (I think at least 80%) are totally benign. If it’s not benign, two weeks or even four won’t make a difference to outcome. And even if it is cancer, BC is very treatable and has excellent outcomes.
I had a benign lump removed earlier this year and it was a very straightforward procedure.