Fibrocystic breast changes

This issues has haunted me since I was in my late teens/early 20s but now I’m in my 30s I’m becoming extremely paranoid about my limit breasts. For as long as I can remember they have been lumpy and change constantly making it so difficult to keep a track of any concerning changes and also very hard to find abnormal lumps in amounts the ropey, hard texture. Since having children I now have lots of stretch marks which makes it difficult to see any skin changes. The upper quadrants are more of a concern, I feel several lumps but they all feel knotted together and almost rectangular, I have to press very firmly into the tissue to feel them. I have been to the GP several times in the last 10 years and have always been told the same “keep an eye through self examination” however they fail to see how difficult it is for me to monitor this given the texture of my breasts, I know I’m not eligible for any form of screening as I don’t have any direct family members with a history of breast cancer, only my grandmother. 

im considering trying to source a private scan to get a full picture of what’s happening beneath the surface but don’t know if this is possible or worthwhile! 

  • Hi Mamamckenzie, Thank you for your post and sharing how you feel.

    It sounds really stressful trying to check your breasts when they feel so lumpy and change a lot.

    You’re doing the right thing by keeping an eye on them and speaking to your GP.

    Your GP has clinical guidelines on when to refer someone to a hospital specialist. If you feel very unhappy with what they have said you have the option to seek a second opinion. This could be seeing a different GP or even seeking a private opinion. We have information about private care on our website which may help you decide if that route is the right option for you.

    Breast Cancer Now has an online forum where you can talk to other women in a similar situation. They also have a helpline where the nurses may be able to give more specific advice as they concentrate on breast health whereby we cover the broader spectrum of breast cancer only. We do have this web page on fibrocystic changes if at all helpful.

    I hope you find the information you need to make an informed decision on what is best for you.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support

    It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Kind regards

    Tina