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Breast cancer at 20?

Anna212
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Hi! I'm 20 years old, and I noticed a lump by the nipple a few days ago. I went to the doctor, due to breast cancer history in the family (nanny, aunt, and uncle all had breast cancer), the doctor is organising me an appointment with the breast check clinic in the next 2 weeks. She said it could just be a blocked milk duct or some fibrocystic disease (?) My mum knows about the appointment but I haven't told my dad because he would freak out and tell everyone I have cancer ‍♀️ I'm trying to tell myself it's nothing but I cant stop thinking about it

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    Hi Anna,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about your symptoms and know just how worrying it is when you are waiting for your referral to come through. I am glad to hear that you have confided in your mum, as you really need someone who you can discuss your fears and feelings with. Can your mum attend the breast clinic with you? It is always helpful to have someone with you, especially on days when you expect to get the results of any tests.

    Of every 8 people referred to the breast clinic, only 1 will have breast cancer, so there are still good odds for this being something else.Try to keep yourself as busy as possible to distract yourself from the wait for your appointment. I sincerely hope that all goes well and, that nothing untoward is found. Please keep in touch and let us know the outcome of your visit. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi! I'm only 24 and have a 6yro little boy 

    I too am waiting for an appointment with breast pain and aching in my armpit. Really hoping it cyst or anything but cancer.. 

    Really worried it is cancer and just need a answer so I know what I'm dealing with. 

    You can come on here or message me anytime if u need anyone to talk to xxxx 

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    Hey Anna. 

    I understand how stressful this is. Im in a similar situation. I have my appointment for Friday. I'm 34 and have no family history of breast cancer but when I was 27 I had very early stage ovarian cancer. The kind not connected with brca1/2 so I never worried about the possibility of breast cancer. I went to a locom gp in september about the lump but he dismissed it as hormonal despite my history. Went to my regular gp Thursday and she refered me urgently. I now have a lump and dimpling. Google has freaked me out. Turns out they might not be connected but just because you had cancer before doesnt decrease your chances of getting other cancers. 

    I'm glad you have your mum to lean on. I haven't told my parents as I don't want to worry them again. I'm keeping a brave face for my husband. I now have 2 small kids which I didn't have the last time so I'm extra worried. My older sister who i would normally turn to has 2 small kids also so I don't want to bother her. 

     

    I'm going to my appointment alone. There they will do a mammogram, ultrasound and then if they see the lump on the scans they will do a biopsy right then usually. From what I can tell from reading loads of these posts they they can usually tell you there and then if it is cancer. They will still have to wait a week for they exact type so there will be no plans made on what treatment might be needed. I also know only 20% of lumps end up being cancer. If it is a cyst it will shrink when they do the biopsy and no further treatment is needed. With your family history they might suggest regular scans. 

     

    Im rambling a bit, I'm sorry. I hope you get your appointment soon and you get happy news. 

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    Thanks to everyone whose replied so far! Reading your messages are helping me a lot!  Quick question- any idea if they could remove me wether it was cancerous or not? 

  • Offline in reply to Anna212

    Remove the lump? I'm sure if itnis not cancerous and they advise that it doesn't need to be removed but if you stated you would prefer it to be removed they would. Some non cancerous lumps would be advised being removed anyway as far as I know just for comfort. 

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