Breast cancer? at 24?

Question

Okay, I just turned 24 and I have 3 sons and 1 stepson. I quit breastfeeding about a year ago b/c I noticed a small knot in my right breast, just beneath my nipple, and it became painful to nurse. I went to my ob/gyn and she said it was just a clogged milk duct, so I payed it no thought. Last October, I visited her again b/c my menstrual cycle was all mixed up, and she then suggested a breast ultrasound. Due to various reasons, I did not have it sonogrammed until last week. Today the radiologist called to schedule a biopsy asap, and my nerves are a mess. It is not a clogged milk duct. So what is it? What are the chances that it is cancerous? How serious is it , considering I noticed it about a year ago? Anyone had this experience? Should I be really worried? or is this common?

Answer 1

I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 27, and that's not as rare what some people think. I have absolutely no history of cancer in my family. In fact, most people with cancer do not have a genetic predisposition. I have one child (he was three at the time) and I breast fed him for 1 year. In fact, my cancerous breast was his favorite one.

However, just because this was my experience does not mean you have cancer. It could be a lot of things. Your risk factors are completely different than mine and there are a lot of variables.

There are a variety of breast cancers out there, but there are also breast diseases that are not cancer. My mother has what she calls "lumpy breasts" and she has never had cancer. It's very hard not to worry. But, just because you have a lump does not mean you have cancer. I just wanted to stress that to you so you wouldn’t think you are guaranteed to have it.

The very best way to find out is the biopsy, it is far more definative than a sonogram or a mammogram. In the begining, it can be very scary. They may even talk to you like it is cancer, just in case. This does not mean you have it. I can tell you I have had more biopsies than I can remember and every time they imply to me it could be cancer, or that it's suspicious, etc. It only was cancer that first time. (I'm very lumpy...lol) I think they talk that way because it's far better to be prepared for cancer and be relieved than not expecting it at all and being diagnosed with it.

It's okay to worry. But until you get that final answer from the biopsy, you don't have cancer. At least that's the way I try to look at it.

And if it is, you will have that moment where the whole world stops. Trust me when I say, it starts to move again. Cancer is no longer a death sentence. I'm proof of that and so are many, many others. There is life during and after cancer.

Hang in there, you'll find out real soon. Let us know how it goes, I know I'll be thinking of you. Sending HOPE your way, and lots of love.

Answer 2

Try not to worry. Last summer I found a lump in the same exact place you described. Prior to that I was noticing bloody/ black discharge from my right nipple only. It turned out to be a mass (tumor). They told me it was a clogged duct (my son was 1 1/2 at the time) and did surgery to remove the duct. Well, the lump never went away, nor did the discharge, so I went back in and asked them to do a needle biopsy. The results from the surgery only showed some type of infection and the results from the 2nd biopsy said fibercystic disease. I still wander, in the back of my mind, only b/c there were 2 different results each time but I'm confident it's not cancer. At the time, I convinced myself it was, that was NOT fun.. talk about anxiety, lol. You are very young so the chances are very, very, very slim that it could be cancer. You are wise to have it checked out though. Try not to worry, it's very common. Good luck!!

Answer 3

Well, although 24 is young, it is not out of the question that it could be breast cancer. I was 29 and based on the size of my biggest tumor it could have been growing for up to 8 years. I was 8 months pregnant and thought it was a blocked milk duct, so it literally was "By the way, I found this lump..."

I am not going to tell you to not worry, because all of us who have had cancer know that it is impossible not to worry. I will tell you that I go in to all of my checks ups with this attitude....hope for the best, prepare for the worst. I hope things turn out ok for you, and if you want to email me at any time, feel free. I have a blog where I post a lot about my breast cancer experience, which I can tell you the addy if you write. I posted it a few times in this section, but someone reported me so I don't post it any more. Either way, I hope you keep us posted. Take care.

Answer 4

I am sorry for your anxiety, but at least you are looking into it now.
It could be cancer, and could easily not be. But you have to find the strength to not fall apart before you know for sure. Try to act normal for the good of the kids, they pick up signals from you.

When the results are in, deal with the problem then. Get your husband involved, don't shut him out. You need the support.

Good luck

Answer 5

I wouldn't worry to much about it, it can be any number of things, expecialy since you did have children..they are probably just trying to be on the safe side of things.