Should I get checked

New here and after some advice if possible please.

So I'm doing the should I go and see my GP or not dance, my partner thinks I should and keeps hounding me but I'm on the fence as I'm worried they will just brush me off and I will be left feeling embarrassed and like a drama queen for over thinking!

My mum had breast cancer which does amp up the concern however am well aware also that this does not mean that this is, I never realised just how much second guessing yourself could leave you in such a pickle.

So for the past 2 weeks I've had a rather annoying itch/burning feeling in my left armpit, and this past week it seems to have spread to my left breast, occasionally my right but nothing major unlike my left which is constant, left breast feels very heavy and a little larger then normal and hot on the inside at times, no lumps or bumps anywhere my breast has like a dull ache and I just feel tired, not breast feeding or nearing my monthly period and never felt this before with my period.

I feel daft even being here, so actually going to the GP has me on edge, I'm not normally a worrier but this is starting to bother me now.

CRUK Nurse Caroline over 3 years ago

Hello and thank you for your post.
We always suggest to get checked out by your GP if something doesn't feel or look right. I think it is fair to say that for most, cancer will not be found but it is good to be checked out to be sure and because it could be something that needs treatment.
I'm afraid that we cannot tell you what is the matter. Your symptoms could be caused by hormonal levels or infections. Your GP will not mind and do mention your mum's diagnosis, although for most people this does not increase their risk of getting breast cancer. You can read more about the possible risk of breast cancer in families on our website here
If you do get a GP appointment it might be telephone call, please do not worry about this as your GP will arrange to see you or refer you to the breast clinic, if either are needed.
Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful 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,
Caroline
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Offline MargaretMary over 3 years ago

I am not a nurse but just thought I'd chime in as I had a situation where I felt very similar to you back when I was in my mid-20s. In my case, it was a little bump that wasn't going away. I thought it was just something like a blistery sort of thing and was worried I'd make a fool of myself if I went to get it checked, but what I told myself was that I'd feel a lot more embarrassed if I didn't get it checked out and it turned out to be something serious and the doctor said "why didn't you come to us a year ago? It would have been easily treated if you had. Now, it's going to be a big issue" (yeah, I know a doctor would be unlikely to put it like that).
In my case, it did turn out to be just something very minor - can't remember what the doctor said, because it was so insignificant - and exactly what I thought I would be embarrassed to hear because it really wasn't something that needed to be checked out at all, but the doctor was really nice about it and honestly, I was so relieved to hear it wasn't anything to worry about that I didn't feel embarrassed at all, just relieved.
I don't think there is any downside to seeing your doctor. Assuming it isn't anything serious, you'll get reassurance and if there is any cause for concern, the sooner it's seen, the better.
You really don't sound like a drama queen and I very much doubt the doctor would categorise you that way.
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