Referral states 'suspected breast cancer' is that usual?

Hi

 

Had a little lump for months but as I have large lumpy breasts I didn't go as I suspected the doc wouldn't find it. Anyhoo, she struggled but found it eventually (pea sized). 

Said it's practice to now send anyone over 35 with a lump that doesn't go for an urgent referral. Is that right? 

I stupidly looked at my online notes and the referral states 'suspected breast cancer' in all honesty I wasn't worried but now it's creeping in...

  • Hi there xx 

    I have had loads of issues with boobs (but haven't been urgently referred for them for many years...just wanted you to know my lumps have always been nothing to worry about). 
    However, when I went to the GP for what appeared to be a dodgy mole last year, I was told I would be urgently referred. It was quite a shock when my appointment letter came through and it referenced suspected cancer and the two week cancer referral guidelines. 

    Anyway...the mole turned out to be nothing and I have since learned that these references were just standard procedure xxx so please try not to worry xxx 
     

  • Thank you, that's good to know it's standard to write. My husband did say "well what else are they going to write" xxxxx

  •  

    Hi Riri,

    This is common practice with referrals. Your GP will refer you if there is the tiniest suspicion that you may have breast cancer. This is just to make sure that you don't. One point to mention is that only 1 person in every 8 referred to the breast clinic, will turn out to have cancer. There are a number of other less serious problems that can arise too. Some women have very lumpy or fatty breasts, others have infections.

    I sincerely hope that yours falls into a less serious category. Can your husband accompany you to your appointment? It is helpful to have someone with you at all appointments, but particularly whenever you are going for the results of tests. It is also useful to write down a list of any questions that you want to ask.

    Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Exactly xxx your husband is correct. It's just procedure and does not at all mean you have cancer. It's much more likely to be a benign condition than anything sinister so pls keep that in mind xxx by the way, I have had loads of pea size lumps like yours...also ropey like lumps...hard and soft lumps...an angry red rash on the surface of the skin....all innocent xx 

  • Hey, 

    I'm just reading this thread due to being referred under the 2WW suspected cancer for a breast lump I'm 30.

    you have all made me feel so reassured as I have cried all morning, my doctor did say it feels like I have cysts but obviously the brain catastrophises everything! 
     

    Thankyou for providing your insight on it all its really helpful! 

  • Hi Htor

    This sounds very similar to my situation. I'm also 30. I found a pea sized lump last year which was benign (it's still there now). But a few weeks ago I started having armpit pain, and then I discovered a deep lump in my "armpit fat", it's now become so painful , the lump itself , my shoulder and arm constantly hurt and my mind is all over the place thinking the worse. This lump feels definitely bigger then my lump I found last year. I've been referred to the breast clinic under the 2ww, just awaiting a date, desperate for answers now. 
     

    Claire

     

  • Hey! 
     

    Again me too! I was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma in 2018 in the same breast. The 2WW referall looks scarier than it is, if you look at the NICE guidelines we basically fit the criteria for the 2WW suspected cancer referral. Anyone age 30 or over falls under this and under 30 would be a slightly longer wait but not much longer. 
     

    I think there are many eventualities and our minds automatically thing the worst but we will get our answers soon! 
     

    Hannah 
     

    My GP wasn't too concerned she said it felt like cysts but of course to be certain a diagnostic is required. She said I had a few nearer the right side of my breast and then one towards the inside so I have multiple too! 
     

  • Hi Hannah 

     

    Just checking in too see how you are and if you have your breast clinic appointment through? 
    Mine is on the 5th Jan. It can't come soon enough.

     

    Claire 

  • Hey Claire, 

     

    im doing ok I've really just accepted that I'm at peace with the process it's actually good to speak to someone going through the same thing it's reassuring! 
    how are you feeling? 
    I haven't had a date yet but after your message I've just called to chase up and she said there is a backlog from the 19th so I expect to receive my apt for either first or second week in January! 
     

    Hannah x

  • Hi Claire, 

    I just wanted to check to see how you got on yesterday, I had my apt yesterday too and thankfully everything was ok! 
     

    hope everything went ok with you! 

    Hannah x