Hi Elliespj,

Welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about your worry. We all feel anxious when we don't know what to expect and, our imaginations tend to run away with us. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and, on both occasions, although carried out at different hospitals, the procedure was the same.

There are two things that your GP may do. S/he may decide to bring you in for a physical examination, or may decide just to refer you straight to the breast clinic as an urgent appointment. If this happens, please don't think anything of it. Nearly everyone is referred within a two-week time frame. The only place that has the necessary equipment to test you properly is the breast clinic and, this is why your GP may send you straight there. Just because you are referred to the breast clinic doesn't mean that you have breast cancer.

The tests are as much to rule out cancer, as they are to diagnose it and, in fact, only 1 person in 8 will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

When someone arrives at the clinic, the consultant will ask about the symptoms, then examine the breasts. You don't say what age you are. There are three main tests that are done. These are a mammogram (usually only done with people over 50, as younger breasts are too dense to show anything up), an ultrasound (totally painless, same scan as expectant mum's have to see their babies) and a biopsy. This requires a local anaesthetic and a needle is inserted to take a tiny sample of tissue.

This is sent away to be tested and, the results of all of these are usually available 1-2 weeks later.

I know that when I first attended the clinic, I naively expected to get my diagnosis straight away, but this very seldom happens. I'm afraid that it can be another anxious wait until you get your results. If there is any cancer present, you will be told the type of breast cancer you have and the grade it is at your follow up visit or telephone consultation (this varies from hospital to hospital).

If you are unfortunate enough to get a positive diagnosis, you will find that your consultant will have already discussed your results at his/her weekly Multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) and, will have decided on the best course of action for you.

I hope that your GP refers you to the breast clinic, so that you can get seen as soon as possible and get to find out whether or not there is anything untoward present.

Please let us know how you get on tomorrow.

Hoping for good news.

Kind regards,

Jolmine xx

Hello thankyou both for your comments, 

So as I'm only 25 they have said for me to wait 3 weeks after my period and to then call them back if it hasn't gone then have an examination 

I understand why they want me to wait 3 weeks but gosh it feels like a long time to wait I'm just hoping it miraculously disappears like the doctor thinks it will 

I will keep you updated going to try not worry and just check myself daily to see if its getting smaller ect

Best wishes

Hi Elliespj,

I am glad to hear that your GP has left the door open for you to return if your symptoms are still there in 3 weeks. A number of younger people seem to have problems persuading their GP's to refer them on. Sadly, just because cancer is rarer in younger people, doesn't mean that it doesn't happen and, many have to push their GPs and, to insist on getting a referral. Don't be afraid to do this for your own peace of mind!

This will be an anxious 3 weeks for you. Do your best to keep busy, as this will distract from the wait. We are always here for you.

Look forward to your update and, hoping for the best.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx