Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 1 reply
  • Views 52 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Experiences - Breast Cancer

Bernz
Offline

Hi Guys, 

Firstly, sending love to everyone reading these forums! Not a place any of us want to be. 

So I'm 39 and last Sunday I came across a firm but not hard lump in my right breast, now I will say it was when I pushed the skin over towards my armpit as I was actively checking my breasts at the time, I had no bra on. I can't really feel it laying down or with a bra on. It sort of feels oval and smooth, I can't pinch it or anything. I feel tender round where it is and would say the firmness covers quite an area. I've been to my GP who said she couldn't feel anything overly worrying but has red flagged me due to age and new lump. I'm sick with worry, my best friend passed of breast cancer last year after a very very short illness. 

Any experiences with firmish but not rock hard lumps would be great, I know no one can diagnose etc and to be honest don't really know what I'm looking for from this post either short of just talking to people 

Thanks xx

  • Offline

    Hi Bernz,

    A very warm welcome to the forum. 

    Scary as it is, you have done the right thing to get this investigated. Lumps can vary in shape and size, but most cancerous ones tend to be firm with jagged edges. It is impossible to be sure what this is, until you have some tests - usually a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy. The first two tests indicate any changes in breast tissue but only the biopsy can really determine whether this is cancer or not. If you have a biopsy, you may have to wait another 1-2 weeks to get the resuts.

    Try not to overthink things while you're waiting. Not all lumps are cancerous - many turn out to be benign cysts or fibroadenoma. It is also a fact that, of all those who attend the breast clinic, only 20% will get a cancer diagnosis. Your appointment will usually come through within 2 weeks from the date of referral, although in busier clinics, the actual appointment may take a little longer.

    I sincerely hope that all turns out well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.