Worried I may have breast cancer

Hello, I am 24 and worried I may have a cancerous lump to the right side of my breast on the outer side just before the soft breast tissue. I am constantly checking my breasts as my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and I have very high anxiety I will get it so I'm not sure if it's just in my head. I'm also not sure if it's a muscle or something harmless as I can't feel an exact lump more of a swelling but I can't feel the same thing on my left breast, it also feels more prominent when my arm is down and I can't really feel anything when it is raised. I am worried sick though so any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

  • Hi,

    When I found my lump it was big and very obvious. 

    Have you been to see a Doctor? If you have concerns then you really need to get it checked.

    But don't jump straight to it being cancer, there are many other non-cancerous things it can be, including cysts. It may well be something you are worrying about because of your mum. But until you know for sure all you are doing is stressing yourself out. 

    Also - unless your mum's cancer was due to a genetic issue (BRCA1 or BRCA2) then it doesn't necessarily mean you have a greater risk of getting it just because your mum has. 

    I think you need to speak to a doctor, and make sure what it is.

    All the best

    xx

     

  • Hi, Thankyou so much for your reply.

    I haven't been to a doctor, I only came across it yesterday but where I am so anxious about getting it it's like I try to search for something and assume the worst, I can't pin point an exact lump it is just there if that makes sense and is swollen and isn't the same on the other breast/armpit (it seems to be on the outter side after the soft breast tissue, I can only feel it when my arm is down though and seems to disappear when I raise it which is leading me to hope it's just a muscle or something but am panicking as it's just on one side! xx

  • Offline in reply to L26

    Also sorry for the TMI! But I'm thinking/hoping it might also be hormonal as I have just started period today and only felt this yesterday- but the fact it's only on one side is really worrying me x

  • That sounds a bit like swollen glands which can happen when u start your period.

    (Fyi- no such thing as TMI when you are talking about cancer and treatment! we talk about it ALL!) 

    But, u know your body. So if it doesn't feel right, or it feels different to how it usually feels then better to get it checked out. If only to put your mind at rest!!

    Gxx

  • Thankyou so much for your help and advice! xx

  •  

    Hi L26,

    Welcome to our forum. I agree with GCL80. Instead of worrying about this, see your GP for advice. I lost my mum to cancer too and, like you I always thought that my turn would come. Unfortunately, it did and, I've had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years.

    It may well be hormonal in your case, but, with a family history, you are always better to get it checked out.

    Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx