Breast lump urgent referral at 27 years old?

Hi everyone

I noticed a lump in my breast with some tenderness around it about 4 weeks ago, I waited to go to the Drs as I had started a new pill and was just trying not to worry and was busy moving etc. After trying a few days I managed to get a telephone callback from my Drs surgery last Friday, I described my symptoms who then asked me to immediately come in for a check. She found the lump easily (at least I knew I wasn't making it up!) and she said I would be referred to the breast clinic which could take up to 4 weeks for an appointment. 

I then got a surprise phone call this morning booking me in to come this Sunday. I know I should be relieved that I'm in the process now but the fast pace has made me nervous. I had my appointment Friday afternoon when I got referred, Monday morning booked in and going this Sunday! I assumed given my age I would be bottom of the list and the current wait time for Leeds where I'm based is 4 weeks but now I'm worried I have been treated as an urgent referral and they know something I don't. 

I also remembered today my paternal grandmother had breast cancer but forgot this when talking to the Dr. 

I'm just wondering if anyone has any similar experiences and whether this timing is normal or if I should perhaps prepare to bring someone with me on Sunday? I've only told one friend so far as I'm trying not to make a big deal out of it by telling my boyfriend and family. I'm finding it near impossible to concentrate on my work since last Friday, it's weird that I haven't really been worried at all but now it's been taken seriously I'm getting really nervous and overthinking...

 

Thanks and hugs to all

  • Hi, i went the GP on Wednesday and was seen by the breast clinic on Friday (they had a cancellation) and i had the same turnaround last time I went in April. However when i went last November (i have lumpy boobs so i am there alot, it was almost 3.5 weeks). 
     

    Don't read too much into how quickly you are being seen. They will just have offered you the next available appointment x

  • I've been waiting 4 weeks for my appointment at the moment . In 2020 I had a lump (all turned out fine) and was seen within 48hrs xx

  • Hi Anne73b,

    Sorry to find you on here and that you are feeling so anxious, understandably.  I honestly wouldn't read anything into this urgent referral.  Most breast lumps are referred this way simply because if they're not urgent you can wait months to be seen.

    All the breast clinics will be on catch-up after covid and it sounds like your unit has put on extra clinics at the weekends.  This will be to catch up, not because they want to see you so urgently.  Try and see it as a positive thing that you are being seen very quickly.

    I would definitely take someone with you for the appointment as it's difficult to remember everything that has been said when you're so anxious.  Remember, you're doing the right thing getting this lump checked out. Try not to stress too much as most breast lumps are benign.  Even if they want to do a biopsy don't panic.  Biopsies are used to rule out cancer just as much as to confirm it.  In all probability you will be fine.

    Keep busy to keep your mind off things and you will soon be through it.

    Mary