I have a Lump in my breast... and i am only 21, what should i do?

Question

I am scared that it could be cancer... I lost my mother 1 year ago to cancer, and since then I have lost a lot of my family to cancer... Could I have cancer at such a young age... What kind of doctor do I need to see to have this check out... I am scared and I don't want to tell my family until I know for sure what this is... Any advise would be helpful... Thanks, and may God bless...

Answer 1

Go to the doctor and express your concerns--be sure to remind the doctor of the family history of cancer in your family, especially if the cancer was breast cancer.

Ask your doctor for a mamogram and ultra-sound even if he or she thinks that the lump is a cyst.

Because of your age, the risk of breast cancer is smaller than the risk that women in their 30's-40's face. This is both good and bad. It is bad because the medical community may see your concerns as 'low priority' due to the associated risk factor.

I had a similar experience (I'm 20), and the lump in my breast turned out to be a benign tumor. However, I had to fight like crazy to even get the doctors and mamogram technicians to take my concerns seriously. Regardless of what the doctor says, if you don't feel comfortable with that answer, seek a second (or third) opinion.

No matter what, keep pushing. When it comes to your health, you have to be your own best advocate. If the doctor refuses to order tests because of your age, go to another doctor. If the mamogram technician refuses to do a mamogram because of your age, ask to have an ultrasound and go from there. I can't say it enough--when it comes to your health, you really do have to advocate for yourself, and don't be afraid to do so!

Answer 2

Hi, this must be really frigthening for you. I'm not a woman - I am a man who lost his wife to breast cancer 5 years ago. I don't want to scare you, but I want you to take this seriously. Any lump should be taken seriously and if your doctor does not do the necessary tests, go to another doctor. Go until they examine it - with medical tests, not a quick visual inspection and a gut feeling - and ideally a biopsy. Your doc is in a tough position today with health providers trying to reduce their expenses and eliminate unnecessary tests. They may not be aware that it really is possible for a woman your age to get breast cancer. And most newly diagnosed women had no family history of breast cancer (this was true of my wife). If he needs convincing, send him here:

http://ashamevlana.com/gallery.htm

And if you really want to light a fire under your doctor, print this out and hand it to him/her (it shows you are educated and are serious):

http://www.somad.org/why_doctors_get_sued.pdf

Incidentally, the somad website founder fell victim to doctor complacency. Her cancer was not diagnosed because the doctor didn't think it was cancer. Push for tests like your life depends on it.

It's hard for me to write something to you that might make you even more scared. Remain calm, yet be persistent, until you know for sure. And most importantly, keep a positive attitude - the mind is a poweful thing.

Answer 3

Get an appt. with an gyn. or family doctor, whichever you see for your Pap and gyn. appts. If your family felt your mom got good care, maybe you can see the doctor your mom was going to. Do not delay. Yes, you can get cancer at 21 and with your family history you need to be getting medical attention quickly. Be persistent and make sure you have someone to give you emotional support during this time. Do not keep this information from your family, if you have a sister or someone you're especially close to let them know what you are going through. All the females in your family should be tested to see if they carry the gene that predisposes you towards breast cancer. Scary yes, but in the knowledge there is the opportunity to take control of your medical care in a preventative way. My prayers are with you. Do not delay getting this taken care of.

Answer 4

Cancer is not age-dependent. It affects all ages, even children.

Just because you have a lump in your breast does not necessarily mean that it is cancer...however it could be, so you should have a physician check it out.

Drinking caffeine and chocolate can also cause you to develop lumps in your breast...so cut out the caffeine, so that you can rule that possibility out.

If you think you might have cancer, start eating 80% of your diet as dark, leafy green vegetables immediately. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, you can go to your health food store and purchase the ingredients for essiac tea...which you can find on www.curezone.com.

Answer 5

Make an appointment to be seen right away.

Since cancer runs in your family, you should have already been on the phone, and yes, you can get it at such a young age. Your regular obgyn would be a good start.

Good luck and I hope it isn't Cancer.

Answer 6

Fibrocystic changes are the most common cause of breast lumps in women ages 18 to 50. Although fibrocystic changes may also be referred to as fibrocystic disease, this is not a disease, but a condition. It can be known as cystic disease, chronic cystic mastitis or mammary dysplasia. This condition is not cancerous. At least 60% of the women in their reproductive years have "lumpy" breasts as a result of these non-cancerous conditions. This is a very concise and informative page about fibrocystic breasts.

The cause of fibrocystic changes is related to the way breast tissue responds to monthly changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, female hormones produced by the ovaries during a woman's reproductive years. Each month during one's menstrual cycle, the breast tissue alternately swells and returns to normal. Hormonal stimulation of the breast tissue causes the milk glands and ducts to enlarge, and the breasts to retain water. The breasts frequently feel swollen, painful, tender, and lumpy at this time. After menstruation, swelling in the breast usually decreases, and the breasts feel less tender and lumpy. That's why the best time to examine the breast is 7-10 days after the start of the menstrual period, when the breast tissue is at its most normal state.

Just in case, have your doctor schedule you an ultrasound, to determine what the lump is or what it's caused from. Caffeine will aggervate the cyts. So, nine times outta ten, if it is only cyts the doctor will tell you to stay away from alot of caffeine.

Answer 7

yes you need to see a doctor. you can go to your family doctor to start with or you can go to you gyn doctor. thry can run all the test that you will require. and yes you can have cancer a young age. but dont put the horse before the cart. god knows what he is doing with you. so before you tell anyone go to your doctor first. it could just be from being hit or birth control there are a lot of reasons for it. god bless to you . from a 2x survior of breast cancer.

Answer 8

Go to your family doctor or your gynecologist. At 21, chances are it's not breast cancer, but you can't be too sure. It's best to get it checked out. Your family doctor or gynecologist will examine the lump, and probably schedule you for an ultrasound of your breast to get a better look at it, and/or he or she will refer you to a specialized doctor who can do some tests and tell you if it something to be concerned about.
Good luck...I hope everything works out for you.

Answer 9

Go to your regular doctor who knows your history. He can order a mammogram, an ultrasound, or biopsy whatever is indicated. Don't be too quick to rush to conclusions, it could be a cyst, or what is known as a "stuck duct." Cancer can strike any age. But by all means go, your peace of mind will be worth any bill. If you feel you are not getting any satisfaction by all means go for a second opinion.

Answer 10

First, go see your family doc. It could be nothing more than a cyst, Ive had 3 removed from my breast, and I am also 21. They will take it out (its just a simple needle prick!) and see if it has cancerous cells it in.

Or, you could also try to lay off of caffine (ie no chocolate, coffee, tea or soda) for a little while and see if it goes away. They somtimes come up because of higher caffine intake, stress or your period.

But, if you are really scared, please go see your family doc, and he will send you to a specialist.

Best of luck..