Breast cancer concerns
Question
I'm 18 years old and I'm worried I have breast cancer. Two years ago I had a small greyish lump in the side of my breast, which I couldn't face getting checked out. Eventually it went on its own, but it left a mark.
Recently, I've had pain down the side of my breast and this time I had the courage to go to my GP. He said the mark was a synapse in the skin and it was nothing to worry about. Since then, however, I've noticed a small dimple in a different place on my breast. I'm really concerned - what could it be?
Answer
It is great you're breast aware and notice changes in your breasts, no matter how subtle they are. This is a good habit to practise at any age, but especially as you get older.
It may ease your mind a little to know that breast cancer in women under 50 is very rare, therefore the changes you've noticed are unlikely to be anything of grave concern.
When you spoke to your GP originally about your breast pain did you discuss the lump you'd found before? The good news is that seven out of eight lumps that women find in the breast are benign, so it's likely that you have nothing to worry about. There are many different types of lump that it could have been and you can read more about these by downloading the specific leaflets from the Breast Cancer Care website.
Although breast pain, lumps and dimpling can be symptoms of breast cancer, there are often other, very simple, explanations for them. Pain and lumps in the breast can often be linked to the menstrual cycle. The breast pain could even come from your muscles or bones and joints. Dimpling can also be linked to many different things, most of which are nothing to worry about. Either way there are various treatments available to help you to manage and lessen the pain.
But it's still important your local doctor (GP) is aware of this lump when assessing your current symptoms because this will enable a more accurate diagnosis and may encourage your doctor to consider referring you for further tests or breast screening, despite your age. If you don't want to talk to your own GP about this matter or if you feel that you would like a second opinion, you can always ask to see another doctor. If you prefer, you can ask to see a female doctor if there is one available at your practice.
You may want to visit your GP again to discuss your most recent symptoms. If you'd rather speak to a nurse first you can call the Breast Cancer Care helpline on 0808 800 6000 or ask a nurse online.
Ultimately, the only way you can stop the worrying is by getting everything checked out properly. It's unlikely that there is anything to worry about and the sooner you can get this confirmed the sooner you can get on with your life, worry free.
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