Hi there and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about the painful lumps you have around your breast and ribs. I can appreciate how having other family members diagnosed with breast cancer may also be adding to your worries at this time.

There are many reasons for symptoms other than a cancer so try not to over think this until you have been checked out.

Do persist in getting an appointment with your GP just so they can examine you and refer you for more tests if needed.

Breast and rib tenderness are often linked to hormonal changes or a condition such as costochondritis that you can read more about. Breast lumps can also be linked to harmless cysts or a build up of fatty tissues known as fibroadenoma, so hopefully there is a simple reason for this.

If the doctor does need to refer you to the breast unit they will likely examine you and carry out an ultrasound. If anything unusual is picked up they will also take biopsies to be sent off and looked at in the lab.

Take things one step at a time for now and hope you are seen soon.

Do get back in touch if you would like or if you prefer give us a call on 0808 800 4040, we're here weekdays 9-5.

Best wishes

Naomi