You can request a mammogram. Hopefully this will put your mind at rest. Your local breast screening service should be able to help if your doctor isn't going forward on this.
I'm sorry you have been experiencing pain and heaviness in your breast for the last three months.
You mention you have lost faith in your GP. Sometimes it may help to see another GP in the practice if this is possible. If not, then do go back to your GP and explain that your breast symptoms are not resolving.
It is not possible to have any tests or investigations without a GP's referral. Doctors are trained to assess symptoms and can arrange tests if they feel it’s necessary to try to find out what might be going on. They may consider referring you to the breast clinic for further assessment. There you would see a breast specialist or specialist nurse who will examine you. You would have a mammogram and possibly an ultrasound. A needle biopsy is usually suggested if the scan shows changes in the breast that the doctors are not sure about. This does not mean that anything is particularly wrong but the biopsy will usually confirm what it is.
The charity Breast Cancer Now has information on what to expect when you’ve been referred to a breast clinic.
I hope you know more about your situation soon. 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.
