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Breast lump

Sh2102
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Hello I'm 20 and I found a hard irregular shaped lump in my breast. I've occasionally had itchy rashes on my boobs over the past months and sharp pains occasionally. Im very anxious about this and I've booked a doctors appointment and the closest appointment available is the 16th which is two weeks away. Should I push to be seen sooner? Or does anyone know if there's anywhere alternative I can be seen sooner? Hopefully it's nothing but just being safe 
Thank you, 

skye 

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    Hello Skye, I'm sorry to hear that you are anxious about the lump, but this is quite understandable. Two weeks is the standard, but if you have a telephone number for the breast unit where you will attend your appointment, it may be worth calling them every morning to see if they have had any cancellations. Most breast lumps are found to be nothing to worry about. I'm sure you are worried it may be cancer and in the event that it is, modern treatments are excellent and survival rates are getting better and better all the time. In the meantime, try to keep busy to distract yourself, including going for walks which will improve your mood no end. I wish you well for your appointment and I hope you will come back and let us know how you got on. If you have any other questions or just need more reassurance, please ask. We're all here to help each other along our journeys. You could also try the Cancer Research helpline 0808 800 4040 or Macmillan helpline 0808 808 00 00 for advice and support - they are excellent! God bless xx

  • Offline in reply to Amy321

    Hello, 

    thank you so much for taking the time to reply. The doctors appointment is a two week wait until I can even get it checked, I haven't been given any information on whether I'll have to attend the breast unit yet. that's a great idea thank you so much for the advice I really appreciate it! 
    All the best, 

    skye x 

  • Offline in reply to Sh2102

    Sorry, Skye, I totally misread your post. When I found my lump, I called my surgery next morning and was told there were no appointments left for that day and I should try again next day at 8.30am. I wasn't accepting that because I wanted to be seen that same day. So I called 111 and they arranged for my GP to call me, which she did at 2.30pm, and she asked me to come and see her at 5.30pm. She gave me a 2WW referral, I got a call from the breast unit next morning with an appointment for 2 weeks later. I would suggest you try calling 111 first thing tomorrow. Hope this helps and you get seen soon. xx

  • Hi Sh2102 and thanks for posting,

    It sounds like you're having a worrying time at the moment.

    It's good to hear that you have an appointment with your GP.  They will be able to assess you when you go to see them, and discuss whether you need any further referrals. 

    111 should not be used to get an outpatients appointment or to be seen more quickly, this service is for when you need medical advice or help fast, but not in an emergency.  

    I know two weeks seems like a really long time to wait, but as Amy321 says, try to find things to occupy your mind in this time.  It can make us feel really anxious when we find a lump but they can be caused by many things, which are more likely than cancer, especially at your young age.

    Rashes and sharp pains are not usually signs of cancer.  You can read more about signs and symptoms of breast cancer here.

    There is some information here which you might find useful.  It has ideas of techniques to calm those thoughts that go round and round when we are worrying about something, and can help with managing anxiety.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You might like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Rachel

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