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i am 52 and my doctor just discovered a lump in my right breast. This did not show on my mammogram. I had a sonogram yesterday and will be having a biopsy next week. I am extremely worried and upset. This article has made me feel slightly better but cancer can strike anyone at any time. i can't help but be very worried. i would love to hear from anyone who has been in this situation. God Bless
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PJ Thanks for helping put the panic about breast cancer in perspective. I get so angry when young women are told by their doctors that their symptoms couldn't be cancer because they are too young to have it. But understanding the actual risk can help young women spend less energy worrying about breast cancer and put more thought into the things that can address their real health risks like fastening that seat belt, giving up smoking, and eating healthier foods.
So right, Phyllis. We walk a fine line with our younger readers here: Yes, you should be aware of breast changes. But if you're 16 years old, or 19, or 24, or really anything up to 40 - the statistics are with you and it's probably not breast cancer. AND - doctors who won't even take a breast lump seriously strictly based on a woman's age are being negligent, in my opinion. Thanks for adding your thoughts - PJH
Dear PJ,
What a reassuring post! I'm a 22 year, healthy female working here at MyBreastCancerNetwork.com (with your son, Nik!!) and i'm helping about with stuff for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I spend a good part of my week reading about breast cancer, watching videos, hearing horror stories from young women and I cannot help my growing fear that I too have or develop breast cancer. Reading your post has definitely calmed me down, although I think have become and will continue to be more educated on the risks and signs of breast cancer.
Thanks for your words of wisdom and i'm looking forward to learning more from you!
Best,
Julia
Julia, I'm glad you realize breast cancer, at this point in your life, is an incredibly remote possibility—so you can take that "worry energy" and put it elsewhere! It's great to know the symptoms and risk factors, and it's good to be diligent about knowing what your breasts are normally like and noticing when they change, but at 22 years old - not gonna happen, unless you're that tiny little statistical blip. Thanks for helping out on the BC site. And give my son a poke sometime, say Hi for me. Thanks for your comment - PJH