Huge advances have been made in the treatments available for cancer in the past 30 years. If offered screening take it. In the unlikely event ifanything is amiss then early intervention can make all the difference. For your own sake and for those who love you. Overcome your fear and get your checkup.
I am sorry to hear about your fears, but am concerned at your response. I also lost my mum to breast cancer 29 years ago. Unfortunately, she had a particularly nasty experience throughout her 12 years with this disease and this tainted how I felt about cancer too.
I was unfortunate enough to discover a lump myself 15 years ago, which turned out to be cancer and I was absolutely terrified. I had a lumpectomy, but, within less than a year, I had another bout of cancer in the same breast and one of pre-cancer in the other. I found all of the lumps myself, but scans quickly confirmed that they were cancerous.
I had a double mastectomy for the second bout and I am happy to say that I am still here to tell the tale. As Farmer_Ed has said, diagnosis, treatments and after care have all made tremendous strides forward since our mums experienced them. The earlier you catch breast cancer, the better your chances. By having regular scans you are much more likely to pick anything untoward up quickly. Don't let fear stop you from getting checked over - the alternative could be even more frightening!
Please keep in touch and remember that we are always here for you.
That's a good idea. Do you have a Maggie's Centre near you? You can book an appointment to see a counsellor trained in cancer there and don't need a referral. All consultations are free and they will really appreciate how you feel and what you are going through. I did this and found it a great help.
