Hi Anonymous and thanks for bringing your concerns and questions to EmpowHER.
First, we are bombarded with a lot of information that is focused on making us, as women, afraid of breast cancer. There is not nearly enough information provided on basic breast health information. It's not at all surprising that you would be concerned and afraid.
Lumps, or cysts, in the breasts are very common. The majority of breast lumps - 80% - are benign, in other words, they are not cancerous.
Breast tissue changes throughout our lives, and it is particularly impacted by changes in our estrogen and progesterone hormone levels during our periods and during pregnancy. It is "normal" that you would have some changes in your breast tissue during pregnancy.
If you continue to have pain in your breast then you should see your doctor to determine the cause. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or other reasons to think that you are at high risk for breast cancer, then let your doctor know. You may want to push for a mammogram, which is not usually done for someone your age, but it may give you more peace of mind and is one more diagnostic tool that's there to help you. You may want to ask for a facility that offers digital mammography, which has higher detection rates than standard mammography in women under age 50, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). You may also find that your insurance plan will not cover this, so be prepared for that as well.
Please don't continue to worry yourself over this, as that just makes the situation worse and will increase your fears. You have to take action, so please work with your doctor and get the help and support you deserve.
Let us know what you decide to do and how you plan to go forward. I am personally a breast cancer survivor of more than 20 years and can appreciate your fears, but I also know, first hand, that we have to take health into our own hands when we have concerns so that we get the best diagnosis and treatment and support.
Comment Reply
Hi Anonymous and thanks for bringing your concerns and questions to EmpowHER.
First, we are bombarded with a lot of information that is focused on making us, as women, afraid of breast cancer. There is not nearly enough information provided on basic breast health information. It's not at all surprising that you would be concerned and afraid.
Lumps, or cysts, in the breasts are very common. The majority of breast lumps - 80% - are benign, in other words, they are not cancerous.
Breast tissue changes throughout our lives, and it is particularly impacted by changes in our estrogen and progesterone hormone levels during our periods and during pregnancy. It is "normal" that you would have some changes in your breast tissue during pregnancy.
If you continue to have pain in your breast then you should see your doctor to determine the cause. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or other reasons to think that you are at high risk for breast cancer, then let your doctor know. You may want to push for a mammogram, which is not usually done for someone your age, but it may give you more peace of mind and is one more diagnostic tool that's there to help you. You may want to ask for a facility that offers digital mammography, which has higher detection rates than standard mammography in women under age 50, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). You may also find that your insurance plan will not cover this, so be prepared for that as well.
Please don't continue to worry yourself over this, as that just makes the situation worse and will increase your fears. You have to take action, so please work with your doctor and get the help and support you deserve.
Let us know what you decide to do and how you plan to go forward. I am personally a breast cancer survivor of more than 20 years and can appreciate your fears, but I also know, first hand, that we have to take health into our own hands when we have concerns so that we get the best diagnosis and treatment and support.
Take care,
Pat
October 12, 2014 - 12:10pmThis Comment
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