I am frightened of cancer and it's getting me down, breast cancer runs in my family, I recently found a lump in my breast but tests have revealed that it was benign, but i'm still concerned that there could be a problem, what can I do, my doctor thinks i'm being silly worrying
2007-03-21 15:17:51 · 14 answers · asked by Janis C 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I don't mean to upset anyone by this but I'm scared, please don't think i'm being insensitive it's not my intention
2007-03-21 15:33:17 · update #1
I totally sympathise. I think you have a fear of cancer. Some people fear spiders, snakes etc but your fear and mine is cancer.
I have learnt that you have to try and focus on positive and not dwell on irrational fear. Understandably you fear breast cancer as it runs in your family. BUT you have been told it is harmless.
I would go back to your GP and say this is effecting your everyday life as the fear has taken over.
Did they remove the lump?
I don't think you should be worried as you have been told it is harmless. You are not silly. many of us have different things we worry about.
If the lump wasn't removed then maybe you could go private and have it removed????
2007-03-22 07:38:16 · answer #1 · answered by laplandfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About 90 to 95% of breast cancer is sporadic (not familial). You do not mention your age but sporadic breast cancer is rare in younger women. It would be worth asking for a referral to discuss your famlly history with a cancer geneticist. Not all of the genes associated with familial breast cancer have been identified so if an expert thinks your family history is significant you MAY be able to have genetic screening. You will certainly be able to get expert advice on what you need to consider doing.
If a cancer geneticits tells you your risk is low, but you still cannot stop worrying, ask about referral to a clinical psychologist. They can help you to cope with cancer-phobia, which can be a serious problem in itself. If this is seriously worrying you then you are not being silly and there is no point in your doctor just telling you to stop worrying.
I am a biomedical scientist by training and have an MSc in Clinical Oncology
2007-03-22 07:55:13 · answer #2 · answered by Kenneth C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are correct to be concerned, as breast cancer has a strong genetic component, but you cannot let the fear prevent you from living your life. With your family history, you should be able to get insurance to pay for mammograms on an annual basis after age 30 or 35 (depending on the insurance). Be sure you IMMEDIATELY seek medical help if you find any additional lumps, and be sure you continue with regular exams.
Something some women consider is a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy if the family history is strong enough, and particularly if they have recurring breast lumps.
Best of luck and STAY VILIGANT.
PA
2007-03-21 22:35:46 · answer #3 · answered by Memnon 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
when theres a history of breast cancer in your family it is not silly of you to worry=you had a test and the report was very good=try not to worry and get on with things=if it starts to grow thats when you should be concerned and benign spots dont usually grow
2007-03-21 22:23:59 · answer #4 · answered by caffsans 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are not being silly. Contact your local Breast Screening Clinic to put your mind at rest. The nurses there should understand your fears. You don't say how old you are. Breast Screening is available early for women who have had breast cancer in their family. Most of all, please try not to worry. (Easier said than done, I'm sure you say). Stress is not good for you. If you are told you have nothing to worry about, please take that good advice and enjoy life.
2007-03-22 13:55:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are not being silly but you are having irrational thoughts. You could get killed in a huge variety of ways every day but you don't go around worrying about it all the time. I think it would help you to watch a movie called The Secrt http://www.thesecret.tv Its about the law of attraction and explais how the things you think about most are what you bring into your life. It is very powerful and may help. Otherwise go to you GP and ask for help dealing with irratinal fears.
2007-03-22 04:42:13 · answer #6 · answered by LillyB 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people have lumpy breast tissue. It doesn't mean you are cancer ridden, but must be checked closer. Rely on the regular screenings rather than worry. Check the cancer sites to do the thingts that tend to reduce your risk (exercise, etc.)
2007-03-21 22:28:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
With a family history of breast cancer you may want to look into getting one of the new genetic tests for the BRCA gene.It is a test that tells you if your at a higher risk for breast cancer.
If after taking the test if you are at a higher risk you have many options to consider. Talk to your gyno for more info.You can also go to this web site to learn more.
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/Breast-Cancer-BRCA-Gene-Test
2007-03-21 23:30:21 · answer #8 · answered by merrymeet2005 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What will be, will be. If you're destined to get breast cancer, you will...and no matter how much you worry about is going to change that. All you need to do is do the self breast exam every month, get your mammograms each year and stop worrying! Worrying is not going to change whether or not you get breast cancer and you're missing out on life in the meantime.
2007-03-21 22:26:11 · answer #9 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There's actually a pocedure that allows you to take out the glands in tail of spence that will ensure you to have no breast cancer.
It's a safe pocedure that cost $1500, but hey it's worth your life, and be sure that you find a place where they have good reputations.
2007-03-21 22:26:54 · answer #10 · answered by Scpwnz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋