Back in May this year (2021) I found a lump in my left breast (not normal for me) so I went to the GP she had a feel and seemed quite concerned, reffered me to the hospital and said ideally ide have an appointment within 2 weeks. (strong family history of breast cancer) We'll its now August no appointment in sight so I've phone hospital today and been told "ahh your only 24, i bet it's not even cancer, you have been put down as a routine appointment, 12-18 month wait nothing else we can do".

Since finding the lump in my left ive found a large area of thick breast tissue too which wasn't there a few months ago

Every day since I've found the lump I've been constantly thinking about it, im not eating properly, not sleeping properly always thinking 'what if it is cancer and this long wait will result in it being to late' I am on my own and I have two young children, im so scared that they will catch it to late if it is indeed cancer and I won't be around for my children. Ive even looked into going private but I just can't afford the costs. How do people cope with the long waiting times and the stress off the wait?