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Been referred for a breast screening. Very anxious

hjy101010
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Hello,

I'm 20 years old and I'm a reasonably healthy female. I do three 5k runs a week and have no history of cancer in the family.

Despite this and the statistics being in my favour, I'm extremely anxious about a referral I have for Monday for a breast screening. I've never had anything like this before and have absolutely no idea what to expect. 

I have always had really naturally lumpy breasts (not just on my period) and I have tenderness and lumps in both, however there's one bigger lump in my right breast. It feels firm but also like it could move around a bit, however I get that non-cancerous and cancerous lumps can feel like that.

I've currently got a bruise over the lump because I've been prodding it that much, it is painful but I can't stop examining it because I keep wanting to reassure myself that it does feel similar to the ones on the other breast.

I just wanted to know what happens when you go for the appointment, how long it'll be and how long you have to wait until you get results really as I have no idea what to expect.

thank you! X

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    Hi,

    I was referred also to breast clinic and my appointment is on Thursday. They have sent me a booklet today that explains the process. The one that I am going to is a one stop clinic by the looks of it - despite it being at the sister hospital to the usual one. I think they will do an examination, then either ultrasound/mammogram or both (if they decide it is needed) and then could do a core biopsy. On the flow chart it looks like you return to the clinic to discuss the results of the scans but the biopsy results (if needed) either come through the post or they schedule an appointment. 

    Hope that helps.

    Lou x

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    Hey there,

    The referral for screening is a standard procedure for any breast changes :) They aim to see you within two weeks of referral. I think I visited my GP and had a phonecall two days later, for an appointment exactly two weeks to the day from my GP appointment.

    The screening itself was a one stop shop. You should be assessed by a consultant who will then decide what kinds of tests to run - you could have an ultrasound, mammogram, needle biopsy or all of the above. I was nervous about the needle biopsy in particular but they use a local anaesthetic so it doesn't hurt. I had all the tests and I would say I was at the clinic for about an hour in total including the waiting inbetween. 

    After that it's the waiting game again to hear your results. I think the wait varies from place to place.

    I've found it really helpful to post on this forum and talk to other people in similar situations, and see that everyone feels the same worries. Hopefully knowing what to expect at the screening will help ease your anxieties a bit.

    Steph

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