Hi everyone, 

I’ve had a lump in my breast since around November 2022, when I had it checked out initially the doctor didn’t seem too concerned. Recently I noticed a lot of pain in my breast as well as changes in breast shape/feel of breast tissue. I’ve just visited the doctor today and when she examined me she felt the lump straight away and seemed concerned. The lump was around 2cm in November and as of todays examination it was 4cm so within 10 months it’s doubled in size which came as a massive surprise to me. Other than the increase in size the lump mainly shows characteristics of being benign as it feels smooth, has well defined edges (feels round like a ball) and it’s mobile. Although in the notes the doctor described the lump as being ‘hard’ and I know that most cancerous lumps are described as being hard. 

also on my notes the doctor had wrote that I had no skin or nipple changes and it stated she couldn’t feel any abnormality’s with my lymph nodes. She said she’d urgently refer me to the breast clinic for ‘suspected’ breast cancer which obviously has massively scared me. So I thought I’d ask do most referrals to the breast clinic get referred for suspected breast cancer? She did mention to me that just because I’m being referred for suspected breast cancer doesn’t mean I have it but just hearing the words suspected breast cancer is terrifying.

I’m only 21 and I do have a family history of breast cancer, grandma died from BC and mum has also had it. Even though a lot of signs point to it being benign and I know breast cancer is fairly uncommon in people as young as me I’m still scared. Can anyone give me any advise or just some words of support because I’m struggling with the idea of potential having such a serious health condition and I’m trying to put a brave face on for my loved ones. 

thanks everyone xx