I have no idea if this is just ironic timing or if my awarenss of my chest area is just heightened b/c of doing the 3 Day Walk. I was giving myself a self exam and noticed a bump (knot, lump...whatever you want to call it) in BETWEEN my breasts. Over the sternum. Can breast cancer form in this area?
I plan on scheduling an appt with my dr. just to be safe.



Hello,
You're right. Any "bump" or "knot" or "lump" felt in or around or between the breasts should be examined by a doctor. This is the only way to know for sure.
As you're planning to, make an appointment with your doctor. Your awareness might be heightened right now, yes, but it's best to be sure and stay safe.
Stay in touch and let us know how the 3-Day Walk goes!
Best,
Maria
I also have become more aware of changes in myself because of doing Relay for Life, Giving blood and platelets, losing a father to cancer, having an extreme family history of cancer, Paternal Grandfather, aunt, and maternal grandmother, my mother being a breast cancer survivor for approx. 10 years now, a sister who is now approx. 2 year breast cancer survivor both at young ages, I too have felt what you describe, I have seen a breast surgeon and she said it was fatty mass, I however am not convinced and still concerned because it does hurt. She actually called me back for a followup on this when I just went to her for calcifications in left breast so not sure if she is convinced as well. I will gladly post a diagnosis if it will help if any different than fatty tissue.
I had a fatty tumor (lipoma) in my arm once. My surgeon said they are pretty easy to distinguish from a cancerous tumor by the way they feel. Nevertheless, because of my cancer history, he removed it just to be sure. It was just a lipoma, so maybe I have an extra scar I didn't need, but we also had the peace of mind of knowing for sure that it wasn't cancer. A needle biopsy might be able to give you the same piece of mind without the scar! Ask about that possibility when you go back for the follow-up. I hope you get a good report.